Because they are easy to grow and a wonderful source of Vitamin A, carrots make an excellent crop for the home garden. The new varieties are easy to grow and make a great addition to children's gardens as well.

Climatic Requirements:

The carrot is a hardy, cool season crop that can be planted in the garden as soon as the soil can be prepared in the spring. Carrots require relatively large amounts of moisture and are not tolerant of drought. Prolonged hot weather in the later stages of development may retard growth and result in an undesirable strong flavor and coarseness in the roots. Prolonged cooler temperatures, however (below 55 degrees F), tend to make the roots longer, more slender and paler in color than expected. The best temperature for highest quality roots is between 60 and 70 degrees F.

Soils:

Carrot plants thrive in deep, loose, well-drained soil. Avoid stony, cloddy or trash-laden soils which will increase the incidence of root defects. Raised beds, which usually have loose soil and receive little compaction from foot traffic, are ideal for growing carrots. Carrots grown on heavy soils may produce considerable leaf growth and forked roots. Carrot plants do not grow well in strongly acidic soils--a pH range of 6.0 to 6.8 should be maintained for best results.

Fertilizers:

Fertilizers and lime are best applied to soils for carrot production using soil test results as a guide. Carrots require large amounts of plant nutrient elements--particularly potassium--for good production. A fertilizer with the ratio of 1-2-2 such as a 5-10-10 analysis would be appropriate at the time of seeding and again when tops are three to four inches tall and six to eight inches tall. Too much manure and fertilizer applied just before seeding can result in forked roots.

Establishing the Planting:

Seed carrots into a well-prepared soil early in the spring. Suggested planting depth is 1/4 inch deep in rows spaced at least 12 to 18 inches apart, depending on the method of cultivation used. It is important to avoid crusting of the soil around the seed-bed--covering the seed with vermiculite or fine compost and keeping the soil evenly moist until the seedlings have emerged will help prevent this problem.

After the seedlings have emerged, thin to one inch apart. When the tops of the carrots grow thicker, thin to about two to three inches apart. Some seed companies are now offering pelletized seed, making the seeds easier to plant and thin.

Cultural Practices:

• After plants are established, mulches will help conserve moisture and suppress weed growth.
• Cultivation, if necessary, should be shallow in order to avoid root injury.
• Carrots require an evenly-distributed and plentiful soil moisture supply throughout the growing season. Avoid too much moisture towards the end of the season, as this will cause roots to crack.
• Watch for the appearance of orange crowns at the soil level as the plants mature. If this occurs, mulch with soil or compost in order to avoid the greening of these tops in the sun.
• Potential pest and disease problems include leafhoppers, wireworms, carrot rust worm larvae, aster yellow, leaf spot and soft rot.

Harvesting and Storage:

Harvest can begin when carrots are finger size. In general, the smaller carrots are juicier and more tender. The entire crop does not have to be harvested at one time. Carrots can remain in the soil until you are ready to use them. Carrots will last until winter in the soil if mulched well. Store at temperatures near freezing in a moist environment.

Varieties:

Choose carrot varieties according to preference and soil type. Shorter types such as Red-Cored Chantenay and Short and Sweet are better suited for heavy soils. Other varieties include Nantes Half-long, Danvers Half-long, Pioneer and Spartan Bonus. Gourmet varieties such as Little Finger are also excellent in container gardens.

Adapted from Pamela J. Bennett, Ohio State University Extension, 2000