The right planting time is about 2-4 weeks before your last frost date.
When Should You Plant Carrots?
Carrots should be sown directly into the garden spot or container where they will continue to mature.
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Fall planting should be done 10 to 12 weeks before the first hard frost.
Stagger your planting times so you will have fresh carrots ready to harvest all during the growing season.
Planting Site
The garden soil should be loose and free of stones and debris.
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Sow the seeds no more than 1/4-inch deep and lightly cover with soil.
Water the area with the gentlest stream possible, and keep it constantly moist until the seeds sprout.
Germination can take 14-21 days.
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Spacing
Because the seeds are tiny, it is almost impossible to space them well.
Allow the plants to grow until they are one inch tall.
This will give you better, stronger carrots to harvest.
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As they mature, the carrots may push up out of the soil.
Hill some soil around the top to prevent sunburn that causes green shoulders.
The container should be at least 12 to 24 inches in diameter, and at least 12 inches deep.
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Carefully sow a few seeds on top of the soil and cover lightly.
Be sure to thin out the excess plants if they are crowded.
Select shorter finger-sized (two to three inches) or small round carrots, like ‘Paris Market’.
These will mature more quickly and grow straight and true in a container.
Carrots should be allowed to mature fully to achieve their full flavor and sweetness.
Remove the carrot tops immediately for the best-tasting carrot roots.
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How to Grow Carrots in Your Garden.Utah State University Extension.
Growing Carrots in a Home Garden.University of Maryland Extension.
