When to plant
Sow direct outdoors 3–5 weeks before last frost — carrots are cool-season and germinate best at 10–21°C soil temperature. In summer, sow a fall crop 10–12 weeks before first fall frost. Carrots sown in fall and left in the ground over winter (with heavy mulch) are sweet and storage-ready.
Soil & site
Carrots absolutely require deep, loose, rock-free, well-drained soil. Any obstruction causes forking, splitting, or stubby growth. Work soil to 30–35 cm deep. Remove all rocks and debris. Avoid freshly manured beds — high nitrogen causes hairy, forked roots. Sandy loam or raised bed with quality potting mix is ideal.
Feeding
Carrots are light feeders. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers after planting — this causes all top growth and splits roots. A low-nitrogen, high-potassium fertilizer (5-10-10) at planting is usually sufficient for the entire season. Too much fertilizer is worse than too little for carrots.
Common problems
Carrot rust fly (maggots tunnelling through roots — cover with fine mesh row cover immediately after sowing). Forked or stunted roots (rocky soil or fresh manure). Green shoulders (sunlight hitting the carrot top — mound soil around the tops, or mulch). Aster yellows disease from leafhoppers — keep weeds down around the bed.
When to harvest
Carrots are ready when the shoulder (top of the root) is 1–2 cm in diameter at soil level. Gently brush soil away and check. Most varieties are ready at 70–80 days. Carrots left too long become woody and crack. Cold weather sweetens carrots — they're often best after the first frost.
How to harvest
Loosen the soil around the carrots with a garden fork before pulling, especially in clay soil — pulling without loosening often snaps the roots. Push the fork in 15 cm away from the row and lever upward. Grab the carrot near the base and pull straight up. Twist off leaves within an hour of harvest to prevent moisture loss through the tops.
Storage & use
Remove tops immediately after harvest to prevent moisture loss. Store unwashed carrots in the refrigerator in a bag with damp paper towels for up to 3 weeks. For very long storage, pack in damp sand in a cool cellar — they can keep for months. Blanch and freeze for up to a year.
Companion planting
Onions and leeks repel carrot fly. Avoid dill — it inhibits carrot growth.
Useful for growing carrot
A few things that make this one easier — chosen for this plant, not a generic list.
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