![]() ![]() ![]() Cover with n-Sulate fabric or a sheet, being sure to anchor it to the ground to capture the ground heat. Your young seedlings will need protection from temperatures in the low 20’s. Keep the soil in a fairly moist condition as the carrots grow and avoid a fluctuating wet-dry soil, as this leads to splitting of the carrot. Mulching, if desired, can take place at this time and will help to conserve moisture around the plants. Water lightly after thinning to settle the soil around the remaining plants.Īfter the final thinning to 2” apart, side dress with the recommended fertilizer about 6” from the plants. The soil should be slightly moist when you thin them so that they pull out from the soil easily without disturbing the neighboring seedlings. When they have grown to about 6” tall, another thinning to 2” apart will give them the final spacing. When the seedlings are about 3”-4” tall, thin them to about 1” apart. Thinning will be necessary for the carrots to develop their full size. If sowing in the cooler temperatures, patience and consistent watering will pay off. It could take up to 21 days in the early spring for the seeds to germinate, while it might take a week or so when seeding in the early fall. The cooler the soil temperature is, the longer the seeds will take to germinate. After covering the seeds with soil, use the flat side of the hoe to firm the soil.Īfter sowing the seed, provide frequent, light applications of water to keep the soil moist and prevent crusting, which could hinder emergence of the seedlings.Ĭarrot seed germinates between 40° and 95☏ at the seeding depth, with 80☏ being optimum. Use a handy “seeder” for the small seeds to make it easier. Sow the seeds at the rate of three to four seeds per inch and cover with ¼” to ½” of soil. Use a stick or the edge of a hoe to make a furrow about ½” deep. Water the prepared soil several days prior to planting. Do not add barnyard manure unless it is quite decomposed, as it will result in forked and misshapen carrots. ![]() If you do not have deep enough soil, simply choose the shorter growing varieties of carrots. Till or incorporate the compost to a depth of 8”-10” if possible. Adding 3”-4” of organic matter and a light application of organic fertilizer such as MicroLife or FoxFarm Tomato and Vegetable fertilizer prior to planting will loosen the soil and provide nutrients for the plants when they germinate. If you take advantage of both growing periods you will have a long harvest of delicious carrots to enjoy.Ĭarrots require a deep, well-drained soil to thrive. We have a fall planting time from late August to early November and a spring planting time of mid-January to early March in Central Texas. Soil preparation and proper planting time will ensure a good harvest. Carrots can be a rewarding crop to grow in Central Texas. ![]()
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