growing carrots

[janela]

I just know there are going to be thousands of expert gardners out there. I am not one of them. This year I decided to try and grow some carrots. I left it too late for early growing and replanting into the ground, just sowed them into the ground. Totally unexpectedly they germinated and look very healthy, the growing medium is the kind with the little gel things that hold the water, very fine compost. No slugs either for once. instructions on the gardening sites are around growing them in seed trays, then thinning into bigger pots. It seems a waste of time to have them in the ground then put them into pots, to put them in the ground later on. They have got their 'true leaves' now, which I understand would be the time to move them. So, do I need to thin them out or just leave them be.

[cove]

i would leave them alone. there's enough space underground for their roots to spread.

[Clanad]

I'd probably disagree... they should be thinned to about one inch or so apart. To leave them crowded is to invite disaster, since they simply won't grow properly. Although there are certain root worms that can cause havoc, I've never had a problem with slugs... seems they don't like the taste of the carrot tops. Make sure they get sufficient water... at least an inch per week, but not enough to leave them standing in water.

Here, in the western U.S., I leave them in the ground well beyond first frost. In fact, they can even be frozen in the ground, spaded up and used. I think the cold weather enhances the flavor.
Best of luck!

[cove]

the reason for my suggestion is because i have some shoot up from last years' crop and i did nothing to them except only water them. they have grown thick and bushy and my goodness i'm getting so much carrots. more than last year.

[frankofile]

Hey Clanad, an expert in carrots and sinusitus!!!. Good guy,. I have never grown carrots before, cos Mr Frank say you need soft deep soil. This year I grew golf ball shaped carrots in window boxes. The crop was not great, but the flavour was sublime. any help for next year appreciated.