Carrots are an easy-to-grow vegetable that can be sown in many months of the year.
GB News shares how to grow and look after carrots in your garden.
How to grow carrots
The best time to sow carrot seeds is between spring and mid-summer, particularly around July or August. Look for fertile and well-drained soil and prepare it by breaking up lumps and removing stones where possible.
Preparing soil problems is one of the best ways to ensure the success of the vegetables, founder of First Saturday Lime Jana McDaniel told GB News.
Carrots are easy to grow in the UK
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She said: “Success starts with proper soil preparation. Carrots thrive in loose, well-draining soil that’s free from rocks and clumps.
“Before planting, work the soil to a depth of about 12 inches and mix in some compost. Sow carrot seeds directly in the garden about three to four weeks before the last expected frost.”
Plant your seeds sparingly in small trenches of around 1cm deep and cover in a thin layer of soil. Give the carrots enough room by sowing seeds around 5cm apart. If planting at this time of year, gardeners will need to look for late varieties.
Early varieties of carrots should be sown in spring. The seeds should germinate within a couple of weeks and finding a sunny spot in your garden will encourage the best results.
Jana continued: “Plant them 1/4 inch deep and two to three inches apart in rows. Thin seedlings three to four inches apart once they reach about two inches tall.
“Carrots need consistent moisture, especially during germination and root development. Water deeply and regularly, but avoid waterlogging the soil. Mulching can help retain moisture and suppress weeds.”
While it is important to have moist soil, gardeners must be careful not to waterlog it. So it may not need watering as much when the weather is wet. It should take around three to four months for your carrots to appear, then they can be harvested.
Jana continued: “They prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Fertilise lightly, as too much nitrogen can cause forked roots.
“Instead, focus on phosphorus and potassium for healthy root development. For straight, well-formed carrots, keep the soil around them loose.
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Carrots can be planted in containers
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“Gently cultivate the surface to prevent crusting. Harvest when the tops of the carrots are visible at the soil surface, usually 60 to 80 days after planting.”
Carrots also grow well in containers. Grab a deep container and you can have impressive results with carrots. When growing in a container, ensure the vegetables still need regular water and plenty of sunlight.
Looking for more tips to grow produce in your garden? GB News shares everything you need to know to grow potatoes. Gardeners need to be wary of pests when growing plants and vegetables in their gardens. GB News shares a guide on how to protect your garden from pests including slugs, cats and rodents.
