Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Carrots:
One of the most popular of vegetables, carrots prefer a light sandy soil, and although resist-
ant to most diseases, they will suffer badly if the dreaded carrot fly is around.
Protect by planting them surrounded by chives or onions to disguise the carrot smell from
the fly.
Planting:
Make sure that the soil is free of stones or obstructions as this will cause the carrot to 'fork'
or split out. Plant seeds ½ inch or so deep a few weeks before the last spring frost.
Thin out by snipping the plants with scissors rather than pulling, when the carrot foliage is
about two inches high. Create a space 2-3 inches apart.
Plant Care:
Keep free of weeds but be careful not to disturb the soil around the carrot, and make things
easy for the dreaded carrot fly!
Flavourisenhancedafterthefirstfrost,sobetterleaveharvestingthemuntilafterthat.Cover
with mulch and leave in the soil if you plan harvesting them later.
Harvesting:
After around 10 weeks carrots are ready for consumption. They can be left in the ground if
protected from frost, or they can be lifted, the tops twisted off and the tuber cleaned. There-
after the carrots can be kept in a sealed plastic bag and stored in the fridge; or they can be
buried in some moist sand until ready for use.
