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Growing Carrots

How to grow carrots in pots, containers, garden beds

and allotments

Fresh Carrots

Family/Latin Name

Apiaceae - Daucus carota ssp. sativus

Type of Plant

Root - Crop Rotation Group = Root

Suitable for

Pots, Garden Beds, Allotments

Plant Dimensions	Height: Up to 20cm/8" - Spread: up to 7.5cm/3-inches
Yield per plant Yield per 1.5m/5 ft row	1 Carrot: 1.8-2.2kg/4-5lb
Time between sowing and harvesting	About 12 weeks
Where to Sow	Outdoors in open ground. Avoid very stony ground as these can cause the carrots to become misshapen, stunted or fanged. Containers at least 20cm/8" deep
Sowing time	Late March to July - temperature +10C/50F.
How to Sow	In rows: Very thinly12mm/½"deep - space rows 30cm/12" apart Broadcast: Very thinly 12mm/½"deep in blocks or groups
After Germination	When the seedlings are 2.5cm/1" tall, thin plants to 5-7.5cm/2-3" apart. Throw away the thinnings as these do not transplant well. Do not leave thinnings on the soil surface as they attract carrot root fly (see pests and diseases below).
Growing on - In Pots	Keep well watered and avoid dry spells to prevent the carrots splitting. Try to keep the tops of the carrots covered with soil or "earthed up" to prevent them turning green (known as green top).
Growing on - In open ground	As above
Aftercare	As above
Harvesting	Start pulling baby carrots from June onwards. It's a good idea to pull every other carrot, leaving the remaining carrots more space to develop into larger specimens. Crops over 16-20 weeks.

Pests and Diseases

Companion Plants

Carrot Root Fly
Indications	First sign is that the carrot leaves may look a reddish rust colour. Lifted carrots have small holes and short white maggots
Treatment	None once infected
Prevention	Organic 1. Companion Planting 2. Prevent the fly getting to the carrots by erecting barriers about 45cm/18" high around the rows or beds, using stakes and polythene sheeting or fleece. 3. Sow carrot fly resistant varieties such as "flyaway" or "Sytan". Chemical Apply an insecticide containing Lambda-cyhalothrin

Aphids
Indications	Leaves distorted, yellowing and stunted
Treatment	Organic Spray with a weak solution of soapy water Use water through a hosepipe to knock the aphids off the plants Chemical Spray with an insecticide containing Fenitrothion
Prevention	None

Companion Flower Graphic

Grow onions and/or garlic nearby, preferably surrounding the carrot crop.

If you know aphids are a problem in your area, grow flowers such as nasturtiums, calendula asters, dahlias, and zinnias nearby but not close to carrots as aphids find them attractive so they act as a lure.

Create a bio-diverse environment by planting flowers nearby to attract bees, ladybirds and other "friendlies". To learn more about companion planting click here.

In the Kitchen

Storage: In a cool, dry, dark place for up to 5 days or in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Remove any leaves attached to carrots before storing for any length of time. Can also be stored in sturdy boxes between layers of sand or dry peat and kept in the garage or shed. Do not allow the carrots to touch when storing in this way.

Preparing: Wash in cold water. Cut off the stem end and straggling roots if present. Peel older carrots or simply scrub or scrape young specimens.

Cooking: Carrots can be boiled, steamed, baked, roasted, micro-waved and sautéed.

As well as being a nutritious accompaniment to meats, poultry and fish, they are an excellent addition to most stews and casseroles.

For more preparation and cooking information about carrots plus lots of recipes visit our sister site www.recipes4us.co.uk

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