Crunchy, tasty and full of nutrients, The carrot is usually orange in colour although purple, red, white, and yellow varieties also exist. Carrots are typically used in stir-fries and salads but also in soups, and don't forget the yummy carrot cake. A must have in the veggie garden.
Planting Calendar
Carrots can be grown from Spring through to the end of Autumn.
Harvest In
50-65 Days
Pull from the ground, cut the tops off and put into your compost. Wash the carrots well and store in the vegetable chiller in the fridge.
Prepare
Position
Carrots like to be planted into a sunny position, with free draining soil and can also be grown in containers that are 40cm deep.
Soil
If you want a nice straight carrot then soil preparation is key. Plant into Living Earth Organic Veggie mix, cultivate the soil to a depth of 40cm, remove any twigs or stones and break up any lumps in the soil. Carrot roots will grow around lumps and bumps in the soil forming weird forked shapes. The finer the soil the better shape the carrot will be. Incorporate some Kings Natures Organic Fertiliser and Sea-Hume granules into the soil and mix together well before planting or sowing seed. If growing in a pot or container plant into Living Earth Organic Veggie mix.
Plant
Carrot seeds are fine; they can be sown into the ground just below the soil surface and spaced 5cm apart. Cover with fine soil and water gently. Carrots will need to be thinned out after about 4 weeks. Remove the smaller weaker plants to allow the stronger ones more space to grow. For a continued supply re sow more seeds at 4 weekly intervals.
Care
Watering
Water so that the soil is kept moist, not wet or allowed to dry out
Feeding
Feed every month with Kings Liquid Fast Food.
Protecting
Do not plant carrots in the same place every year, practice crops rotation principles to minimise the chance of Carrot Rust Fly. Adding Sea-Hume granules to the soil at planting time will help fight against Carrot Rust Fly.
Spraying
If Aphids are attacking the leaves spray with Nature's Way Organic Citrus, Veggie & Ornamental Spray
Pruning
Remove any yellowing leaves from the tops of the carrots
Beginner Tip
To reduce the chance of Adult Carrot Rust Flies, cover your carrots with Bug Net.
Expert Tip
As the carrot grows, if the top of the root is exposed to sunlight it may cause them to go green, cover the exposed tops with soil to ensure this does not happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is causing my Carrots to be forked and mishaped?
This can happen with Carrots if you have not properly prepared the bed they are planted into. Carrots need well drained, free flowing soil to grow well. Try and remove any large lumps of soil or stones from the garden bed. Carrots can form strange shapes, when they have to push their way through tough lumpy soil.
When is the best time to plant carrot seeds?
Plant carrot seeds in early spring or late summer for the best results. Carrots grow well in cool temperatures.
How often should I water carrot plants?
Water so that the soil is kept moist, not wet or allowed to dry out
What pests should I watch out for when growing carrots?
Watch out for carrot rust flies, aphids, and slugs. Use row covers, organic pesticides, or companion planting to manage pests.
How do I know when my carrots are ready to harvest?
Pull from the ground, cut the tops off and put into your compost. Wash the carrots well and store in the vegetable chiller in the fridge.
