Carrots are a popular vegetable to grow as one of the sweetest and tastiest root vegetables. They are easy to grow and come in a wide range of varieties. You can also grow red, yellow and purple ones too!
This root vegetable is high in beta carotene (Vitamin A), Vitamin B (Niacin and B6), and Vitamin C, making it a nutritious addition to all your meals.
Growing carrots is extremely easy and can be done even by an inexperienced gardener in their kitchen garden. The carrots grown at home might not always be perfect looking like store-bought carrots, but they taste a hundred times better.
Growing carrots is relatively easy and with the right soil preparation and by procuring the best carrot seeds UK, you can have a year-long supply of fresh, healthy, and sweet-tasting carrots.
How and When to Plant Carrots
Carrots can be sown as early as February (with some protection) through to July, giving you a constant supply depending on the quantity you are growing.
Carrots are best sown directly into the soil and if it's still cold it will be worth doing so under cloches or using fleece. Once the weather warms up, the best way to grow carrots is outside in the garden or on your allotment.
Sow the carrot seeds thinly about an inch deep in rows. Allow 8-10 inches between rows. As the seedlings grow, you will want to thin them out to allow growing room for your carrots. If you have little germination happening, you can add more seeds; a staggered growth helps your continuing supply.
Depending on your variety, you can sow carrots up to July. If you are wondering how to grow carrots from seeds then you have to first start by preparing your soil.
How to Grow Carrots From Seed in a Container
Carrots can also be grown in containers, especially baby carrots that do not grow so long. They will require good compost and regular watering.
The container must be 6-8 inches deep to accommodate the baby or dwarf carrot developing.
The carrot seeds must be placed about a quarter inch below the top of the container, and about half an inch apart. This gives the seeds enough space to grow and develop.
Create a soil mix of 1:1 sand and potting mix. Keep the mixture moist and place it in the sun. Once the seedlings have grown, thin them out and harvest them once they are about a finger’s length long.
You can also apply low-nitrogen fertiliser to the container soil for growing carrots that are healthy and well-developed.
Carrots like well-drained soil and will require watering during dry spells. However, they are resilient during dry weather and can cope with little water. If the soil has stones or contains clay, then your carrots might be stunted and deformed.
How to Plant Carrots While Avoiding Pests
Before planning on when to pick carrots, you must watch out for pests. Carrot fly is a common threat which will cause rot. There is little you can do once your carrots become infected, but you can offer your carrots some protection to help prevent it.
Other pests that can harm your carrot crops are carrot weevil, flea beetles, leafhoppers, wireworms, armyworms, and root-knot nematodes. A common disease that is found when you grow carrots in the UK is black canker. If you notice small rust-coloured spots on your carrots, know that they have been infected, and shouldn’t be consumed.
To prevent pests from harming your carrot crops, you can use nets and covers to keep insects and flies at bay. Additionally, clear away any weeds or debris from the soil patch before planting the seeds.
Some vegetables and flowers help reduce pests and can even enhance flavours. You may be interested in our Companion Planting page.
How to Harvest Carrots
You can begin to harvest your carrots depending on the sowing time, from late Spring to early autumn. Younger carrots tend to be much sweeter, therefore harvest to taste but do not leave them for too long in the ground or they will lose all flavour.
The best time to harvest carrots is three weeks from the time of maturity. Carrots that are exposed to a few days of frost and cold are often sweeter. You don’t need to dig the carrot out of the soil, but simply, pull it by its top. Use a garden fork to remove the soil, only if the top part breaks apart.
Carrots can be used fresh; raw or cooked and can also be frozen. If you choose to freeze carrots, it is recommended that you blanch them first.
We are a group of professional and amateur gardeners and allotment growers at Allotment Online. Growing a carrot or any other crop is a therapeutic process and also allows you to instil healthy eating habits in your family. Whether you want to discuss how to plant carrots or when to pick carrots, you will always find a helpful tip from our community members.
We always welcome your input and want to hear your best stories, advice, tips and tricks. Register today and share your carrot growing journey here!
Allotment Online provides helpful tools, guidance, and any other assistance to ensure your gardening endeavours are always a hit. Whether you are wondering how to grow cabbage, peas, kiwis or anything else, we are happy to help!
