Vegetable:
Carrots
1. When – Plant in the early spring (2 to 3 weeks before your last spring frost date). For a harvest in the fall, plant seeds in the middle to late summer (around 10 weeks before your first fall frost date).
2. Where – 8-10 hours of sun, with 3-4 hours of it being direct. Avoid planting in all day full sun, as the carrots can overheat. Partial shade works well.
3. How -Plant seeds 1/4 inch into the surface of the soil, 2-3 inches apart. Avoid planting in heavy soil that contains rocks, as the carrots need space to grow or they will become deformed.
4. Harvesting – The foliage should be a bright, thick green at least 8 inches in length. Brush some soil away to check the size of the top of the carrot. Once ready, loosen the soil with a trowel and pull up from the base of the greens.
5. Tips – Fertilize with 5-10-10 when the tops are 3-4 inches tall, and again when they reach 6-8 inches tall. Do not rush to pull out the carrots if not needed, they may be left in the ground to continue growing until your first frost.
Type:
Biennial (harvested during the first year)
Time to harvest:
60-80 days
Plant Origin:
Central Asia around 1,100 years ago
How to Cultivate 