The sweet, crisp flavor of a garden-fresh carrot is unbeatable. A cool-weather crop, carrots are relatively easy to grow provided you give them the right soil conditions they need to thrive.
Planting & Spacing
When to Plant
Carrots grow best in cool soil. Sow seeds directly in the garden 3-5 weeks before the last spring frost. For a fall crop, plant seeds in mid- to late summer, about 10 weeks before your first fall frost.
Pro Tip for Desert Gardeners (Mesa, AZ): Wait for the summer heat to break. The ideal time to plant carrot seeds is from late September through November for a fantastic winter and spring harvest. Prepare your beds now (early September) by clearing them and amending the soil.
The Secret: Soil Preparation
The single most important factor for growing straight carrots is the soil. It must be loose, sandy, and free of rocks, roots, and clumps to a depth of 12 inches. Compacted or rocky soil will cause the roots to become forked and stunted. Raised beds are perfect for creating this ideal environment.
Sowing and Thinning
Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and 1 inch apart. Carrot seeds are tiny, so they can be tricky to space. Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, it's crucial to thin them to stand 2-3 inches apart. Overcrowding will result in small, underdeveloped carrots.
Watering & Care
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist to encourage fast growth and prevent the roots from cracking. Provide about 1 inch of water per week. Deep, infrequent watering is better than shallow, daily watering.
Fertilizing
Avoid fertilizers high in nitrogen, which will cause the carrot tops to become lush and green at the expense of the root. A fertilizer with low nitrogen and higher potassium and phosphate is best, if fertilization is needed at all. Rich compost worked into the soil at planting time is often sufficient.
Common Pests & Diseases
Carrot Rust Fly
The larvae of this fly tunnel into carrot roots. The best defense is prevention. Cover your carrot patch with a floating row cover immediately after sowing to prevent the adult flies from laying their eggs.
Splitting or Cracking
Carrot roots may split if they experience sudden, rapid growth, usually caused by inconsistent moisture (a period of dry followed by heavy rain or watering). Maintain even soil moisture to prevent this.
Harvesting
Carrots are ready to harvest 60-80 days after sowing, depending on the variety. You can start pulling them when the root diameter is about ½ to 1 inch. Loosen the soil around the carrot with a garden fork before gently pulling it from the ground. For the sweetest flavor, harvest carrots after a light frost.