Planting carrot seeds is straightforward but requires attention to soil preparation and planting depth.
When to Plant Carrots?
As always, knowing the best time to plant crops is essential for achieving optimal germination rates and overall success. Carrots are considered a cool-season crop, meaning they can be planted in early spring once soil temperatures reach about 10 degrees Celsius.
How Long Do Carrots Take to Germinate?
Carrots have a slow germination process, often taking up to three weeks. During this time, it’s easy to let too much time pass between waterings, which can cause the soil to dry out and hinder or prevent germination.
Prepare Your Planting Bed
The first step in planting carrots is preparing the planting bed.
Even the Soil
Take a final pass over the surface with a rake to smooth the soil and remove any remaining debris or rocks from the beds.
Sow The Seeds.
Using a pinch of carrot seeds between your thumb and forefinger, gently roll your fingers back and forth, allowing the seeds to fall into the soil about 1 inch apart.
Cover with Fine Compost.
Adding a layer of fine, sifted soil over your carrot seeds helps the soil retain moisture, ensuring the seeds have the conditions they need to germinate properly. This extra soil keeps the seeds from drying out too quickly between waterings.
Be sure to use sifted compost or garden soil, as carrot seeds are delicate and require minimal obstruction when sprouting and emerging from the ground.
Watering The Carrots.
Watering carrot seeds requires care, as large droplets from a hose or sprinkler can be too harsh. Excessive water pressure can displace the delicate seeds or wash away the soil, disrupting their growth.
Thining
Once your carrots begin to sprout, thin them out to about 2-3 inches apart. Alternatively, we prefer thinning them to about one every inch, harvesting baby carrots to clear the rows and allowing the remaining ones to mature. This method also boosts our overall yield.
Harvesting
Carrots are typically ready to harvest in 60–80 days, depending on the variety. Check the tops for size and gently pull them from the soil.