Seed to Feed Me: HOW TO GROW CARROTS FROM SEED

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Like all root vegetables, to successfully grow carrots you need to ensure that soil conditions are favourable. The quality of the soil within the bed that they are grown in is very important.

Dig over the bed in late winter or early spring, breaking up the soil structure to create a fine, crumbly texture. To prevent the carrots 'forking' remove any stones or debris within the soil. Add a general purpose fertiliser one week prior to planting, which should occur in spring after the risk of frost has past or earlier if the beds are protected with a cloche or fleece.

Carrot seeds should be planted directly into the bed or container. Sow the seeds as thinly as possible in shallow drills 2-3cm deep, rows 25cm apart. The seeds are very small so you may wish to mix them with a handful of sharp sand in order to allow for a thinner sowing and aid drainage.

When the seeds have germinated and are showing their first true leaves, t

hin the seedlings to 5cm between plants. Carrots require space and will produce a vastly reduced crop if grown in crowded conditions. Discard unwanted seedlings; do not attempt to replant unwanted plants as they do not transplant well.

Keep well watered during the summer to prevent the roots becoming woody and weed out competing weeds regularly. Carrots will be ready to harvest in the autumn, but smaller carrots can be pulled and eaten at any time during the season. Feel the size of the carrot tops through the soil to feel how wide they are and pull when they reach the correct size.

For related articles click onto:
Feeding plants
Growing rhubarb
Growing potatoes
Growing tomatoes
How to grow broccoli from seed
How to grow cauliflower from seed
How to build a cold frame
How to Grow Agave from Seed

How to grow artichokes from rooted cuttings