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Ankeny, Iowa

Does anybody know what kind of soil conditions, sunlight and moisture carotts need to grow?

2/9/2003 7:05:46 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Deep loose soil, very well drained. As deep as possible. I till. The pull 8 inches of soil off the row. Then dig a good 4-6 inhes deeper than I want the carrots to go. Then amend & replace the soil. Making a hilled row.
Full sun is preferred but I've gotten away with modest shade. Nitrogen early. Potash late. Ph neutrel. Water long deep & as infrequently as you can to keep thinbgs moist 2-3" down. Wet upper soil won't help.
Lack of sun always limits our growth here. We give up the better parts of the garden to other plants. More sun = longer better carrots.
Watch some varieites for taste. If they stay too long in the ground, texture & taste go to pot. Check before planting for the "days to maturity" & toy around that date with respect to harvest.
Hope this helps.
Steve

2/9/2003 8:06:34 PM

Walton N.y.

if you are looking for really long carrots get in touch with alun jones (england)as he has grown some long ones otherwise steves tips will give you good results i even do a raised bed just to help keep the soil from compacting

2/10/2003 7:46:49 PM

Ankeny, Iowa

Thanks for the information.

2/13/2003 5:13:53 PM