Today is third edition of the easiest growing crops series. Todays focus is carrots. You can also check the prior two crops Tomato and Cucumber.
Carrots are actually taproots which have enlarged. They have a very wide and deep root system. It is a cool climate crop and need to be sown in the winter specially in the sub-tropical areas. The optimum temperature for carrots is 60 to 70 deg F. Though we are used to experience carrots as orange in colour, there are other varieties which can be white, crimson or even purple in colour. But rather than focusing on colour your main concern should be on the root size to suit your soil.
Try to find the uniform blend of soil, it should be without any lumps and stones. These can cause the roots to fork. The depth of the soil should be at least twice that of the mature size of the carrot. The pH of the soil ideally is between 5.5 to 7.0. put sufficient amount of compost or rotten organic matter. They require nutrient enriched soil. Adding of nitrogen can be very crucial to the growth and aesthetics of your carrots. Organic sources such as blood, alfalfa meal, horn meal etc can be used. Also think about using companion planting and crop rotation techniques. Growing carrots after legumes can eliminate the need of adding extra nitrogen. Avoid hot nitrogen source like fresh manure and fish fertilizer. They can cause roots to fork.
Carrots also do well with most plants. Rosemary and sage can deter carrot flies. Check companion planting for more details. If you are planning to grow the carrots till it gives you seed, it is necessary that you avoid planting Dill, Coriander or other plants of Umbelliferae family. These plants cause cross pollination and thus chances of getting the seeds are greatly reduced. Though if you have only planting for the roots and not concerned about getting the seeds, this might not much of an importance to you.
Good news for the urban gardeners, you can grow carrots in the containers also. Just choose the pot which are at least 12 inches deep(container should be twice as deep as the size of the mature carrot) and with good drainage facility. In case you need more information about container gardening check out my earlier blog. In this case try to plant the seeds 1 to 3 inches apart. Cover the seeds with soil and water frequently(More on watering techniques here). It is always better to try for the smaller varieties.
It generally takes 12 to 15 days to germinate. Once they have emerged cover them with a fine mesh netting. It will help to get air, water and sunlight but keeps pest at bay. Applying mulch can retain the moisture level and also reduce the weed problem. The growth of the carrot seedling is always slower than the weeds. Nematodes can be prevented from harming the plant by applying plenty of compost. These are rich in predatory microorganism and can prey on nematodes.
Carrots can be harvested in less than three months for most of the varieties. You can judge the size of the carrot by looking at the top. Usually the largest carrots have the darkest and greenest top. Most are at their prime when about 2.5 cm in diameter at the crown. It is crucial that you don’t leave your carrots for too long in the ground. It can make them too long, tough and some times distasteful. Do some watering before harvesting. It will soften the soil and will be easier to take out the carrot.
Cut off the leaves as soon as they are out with some sharp knife. Do not just break the top as it tend to sprout and will shorten their storage life. Leaving them for too long in the ground can attract the carrot fly. Gently wash them with cold water to remove all the dirt and it will also cool them down.
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