The growing of carrots is a procedure that will require you to have dedication for up to sixteen weeks. Getting the soil conditions correct as well as the climates will go a long way in deciding the quality of the carrot you will harvest. These are the procedures to follow:
Preparation
Carrots grow well in cooler climates as well as in light soil that has been improved with lots of well rotted organic materials that is fully dug into the soil. If they are grown on heavy soil or where organic material is not well rotted they tend to become misshapen and grow forked. This is because the stones in the soil will badly affect them. They are rich in Vitamin A, calcium as well as trace elements and also a good source of fiber. The main crop varieties can be stored for up to three months and this will it possible to have a near year round supply. The bed where to plant your carrots should be prepared two weeks before where you will be forking in a handful of bone meal for each square meter. The soil should be dug at a spade's depth and is of a crumbly texture. The early carrot varieties will do well in full sun especially those that are harvested while they are still young. The main crop however does best with some shade especially in mid summer. Carrots are also ideal vegetables to be grown in containers and raised beds.
Getting seeds
Carrots are biennials which mean that they grow one year and then produce their seed the next year. Unfortunately we get to eat them in the first year so most people don't get to see how their seeds look like. For you to get the seeds of the carrot you will need to over winter the carrot and collect the seeds the following year. The seeds should be collected when fat and dry and before they fall on the ground. You should note that seeds from F1 carrots do not come true to type and so you should avoid them.
When to Plant
Carrots are best sown over a long period to ensure that they are ready for eating from early June to October.
How to Plant
You will need several things in order for you to be able to plant carrots and this will include a trowel. Using this trowel you should start by digging out narrow drills that are ? inch deep and 8 inches apart. The carrot seed is fine and the easiest way to sow is to empty some seed from the packet into the palm of your left hand and take small pinches of seed with your other hand fingers. Start dropping a couple of seeds every 1 inch along the narrow drills. Sow the seed thinly in order to avoid too much thinning in the later stages. You should also cover the seeds with fine soil very gently firming it down. In case the conditions are dry the seeds should be watered with a fine spray. Seedling should start to appear in 15 to 20 days.
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