Carrots are easy to grow if the soil conditions are correct, if not some amusing shaped roots
can result. They are rich in calcium, phosphorous and vitamin A. The tastiest carrots are the
early varieties, which can be harvested as early as May when they are at their most expensive
in the shops.
Carrots prefer a light soil which has been improved with lots of well-rotted organic material
fully dug into the soil. Carrots grown on heavy soil, or where organic material is not
well-rotted, will become misshapen and grow 'forked. Stones in the soil will have the same bad
effect. Prepare the bed two weeks or so before planting, ensure that the soil is dug to a
spade's depth and is of a crumbly texture.
Carrots can be sown under protection ( cloche or polythene covering ) from February to March,
Or unprotected April to July. Sow in narrow drills about 2cms deep in rows at least 20 cms apart.
then fill and firm the soil with a rake. Water the ground with a fine spay if the soil is dry,
germination should begin in 10-20 days.
Thinning out (removing some seedlings to avoid over-crowding) should begin when the seedlings
are about 2.5cm (1inch) high. Thin the maincrop carrot seedlings to 20cm (8in) apart, early
variety carrots to 13cm (5in) apart. This is best done when the soil is moist. Thinning out the
seedlings will release the scent of carrots, and attract the attentions of carrot fly. To avoid
this, perform this activity in the evening when the carrot fly is not about.
When the carrots have reached maturity, Use a fork to dig up the roots , driving it in a few
inches to one side of the row, using it as lever to loosen the roots' grip on the soil. The
carrots can then be removed by hand. If the weather is particularly dry, water the previous
evening to avoid damage to the carrots. Carrots harvested before maturity will be tender and
more tasty than those left in the ground longer.
