Growing Carrots: Soil Preparation, Sowing Techniques, and Long-Season Care

Patience Rewards the Carrot Grower

Carrots take up to 16 weeks but deliver a near year-round supply if staggered. Soil quality dictates shape and quality.

Critical Factors

• Soil: Light, stone-free, deeply dug, well-rotted organic matter. Heavy or stony soil = forked, misshapen roots.
• Climate: Cool preferred. Early varieties: full sun. Main crop: mid-summer shade.
• Containers/raised beds: Excellent for carrots.
• Seeds: Biennial—seed in year 2. Save only from open-pollinated (not F1) types. Collect when fat, dry, before shatter.
• Sowing: ¼" deep drills, 8" apart. Pinch-sow 2 seeds/inch. Thin later. Cover lightly. Fine spray if dry. Germination: 15–20 days.
• Fertilize: Bone meal (handful/m²) 2 weeks before planting.

Get the soil right, and carrots become a reliable, nutritious staple.