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Steps
1
Prepare the planting site by tilling or hoeing the soil 8 to 12 inches deep. Remove any rocks or hard clumps with a rake to ensure the soil is loose and fluffy, as this prevents misshapen roots.
2
Amend the soil by mixing in compost. Ensure the soil pH is between 6.0 and 6.8 for optimal growth.
Tip: Add sand or wood ash to improve drainage and soluble potassium.
3
Sow the seeds in spring, preferably when nighttime temperatures are around 55°F, but avoid daytime temperatures over 75°F. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and space them about 2 inches apart.
4
Cover the seeds with 1/2 inch of rich soil or a mix of soil and sand. Gently water the area, using a gentle flow to avoid washing away the fragile seeds.
5
Maintain consistent moisture, providing approximately 1 inch of water weekly. Once tops emerge, apply a layer of mulch around the seedlings to retain soil moisture and cover any exposed carrot crowns to prevent bitterness.
6
Thin the seedlings when they are about 4 inches tall to keep roots 3 inches apart. If using scissors, cut unwanted sprouts down to the soil level rather than pulling them.
7
Apply a low-nitrogen vegetable fertilizer about 2 weeks after the tops emerge and reach 3 inches in height. Apply at half the rate suggested on the packaging to avoid forked, hairy roots.
8
Harvest the carrots 50 to 90 days after planting when the crowns are peeking above the soil and foliage is fully developed. Loosen the soil with a spade, grasp the base of the stem, twist, and pull.
Pro Tips
Pelleted seeds are recommended for easier handling and more accurate spacing.
To increase sweetness, leave carrots in the ground through the fall frost, but harvest before the ground freezes.
Avoid planting carrots in the same spot every year to prevent bacterial diseases like leaf blight.