Carrots are biennial plants, meaning they will flower in their second year, if left in the ground, and produce white umbels. Carrots are rich in nutrients including vitamin A, C, B1, B2, B3 and B6. The distinctive orange color comes from high amounts of beta-carotene and is known to be good for eyesight.
Sowing: Direct sow winter-harvest carrots in the first two weeks of August. Sow shallowly at 5mm (¼’’) deep, 4 seeds per 2cm (1’’) and provide firm soil likely. Water deeply prior to planting and keep the topmost layer of soil damp during the germination period.
Soil: The softer the soil, the better. Dig in ½ cup of fertilizer and avoid fresh manure. The ideal pH is 6.0 – 6.8.
Growing: Seeds may take as long as 14-21 days to germinate. Thin to 4-10cm (1 ½ - 4’’) apart when young plants are 2cm (1’’) tall to avoid competition for available nutrients, moisture, and light. Use a tarp to cover the soil to minimize evaporation.
Harvesting: Carrots can be harvested at any size, but when the carrot has turned bright orange, that is when the flavour is at its best. Store in cold temperatures, just about 0°C and avoid scraping and peeling carrots to maintain maximum nutritional value.
Pests and Disease:
A pest that chews tunnels and causes rot through the surface of the vegetable’s root is a carrot rust fly. Ironically, they are not good at flying, so it unlikely that they will infest apartment residents of high-rise crops.
Wireworm, the larva of click beetles, chew irregular holes through roots, making the carrots inedible. Interplanting mustard leaf is an excellent way to discourage wireworm damage.
Companion Planting: Bean seeds, Brassicas, chives, leeks, lettuce, onions, peas, peppers, pole beans, radish, rosemary, sage, and tomatoes. Planting carrots near tomatoes may result to stunted roots but will have exceptional flavour.
For tips on growing other vegetables in your garden in August, read the article Start Sowing these Seeds this August.
Carotenosis is a condition in which the skin turns orange due to over consumption of carrots. However, it is not dangerous on its own, too much vitamin A can cause liver damage.