When Should You Plant Carrot Seeds?
Carrots are considered a cool season crop.
Seeds germinate most reliably when soil temperatures reach 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
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However, they will continue to sprout up to 75 degrees which makes them an excellent choice forsuccession sowing.
Before Getting Started
Carrots grow bestin sandy, loamy soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.
A good combination is two parts sand and one part compost to one part soil.
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If you’d like to grow carrots in pots, choose a large container at least 12 inches deep.
Fill it with a light potting medium or add sand and compost to regular garden soil.
Avoid mixes with added fertilizer which may contain too much nitrogen for growing carrots.
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Carrot seeds take between two and three weeks to germinate.
Carrots also are grown inraised beds.
Seeds cannot break through crusted soil, so a soft top surface is essential for germination.
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Use a rake to loosen it in a planting bed.
Mix Carrot Seed With Sand
Mix the carrot seed packet with about four times as much sand.
Measurements don’t need to be perfect.
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Sand helps separate and spread out the tiny seeds for the best chance of even spacing.
(For growing in pots, sand is optional.)
Then, change direction and continue the motion until all the mix is used.
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For seeds started in containers, sprinkle potting mix across the soil surface.
Keep the soil moist until germination occurs in 14 to 21 days.
Fertilize and Water
Fertilize your carrot crop about six weeks after the green growth first appears.
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Use an NPK lower in nitrogen, like a 0-5-5, or 5-10-10.
Too much nitrogen promotes leafy top growth at the expense of the root.
Thin Seedlings
Carrots need about 3 inches of space each to grow well.
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Consider Mulching
Adding anatural mulchlike straw or grass clippings is optional but improves moisture retention.
For carrots grown in autumn, mulch can extend the season by protecting roots from freezing temperatures.
They can beharvestedany time they reach edible size but root tops 3/4 inch in diameter are a good size.
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It’s easier to remove carrots when the soil is slightly dry.
Digging with a small shovel or garden fork is the best way to avoid root breakage and damage.
If growing in containers, sprinkle seed on the surface and lightly cover with potting mix.
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Soaking is an option and may speed up germination.
Broadcast or scatter sowing is a common method for planting carrot seeds.
The seed should be very lightly covered with about 1/8 inch of loose soil.
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Be sure to mark your row or bed before planting.
Carrot seeds can take up to three weeks to germinate.
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