Crop Rotation Group
Umbelliferae (Carrot and root family)
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Soil
Well drained soil rich in organic matter, but with no manure added prior to planting. Use well aged compost or vermicompost to condition compacted soil.
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Position
Sun or partial afternoon shade.
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Frost tolerant
Tops tolerate light frost; roots survive hard freezes.
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Feeding
Soil quality is more essential that supplemental feeding.
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Companions
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Spacing
Single Plants: 3" (10cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 3" (10cm) with 5" (15cm) row gap (minimum)
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Sow and Plant
Sow direct into soil in spring. Make a second sowing for a fall crop in mid to late summer.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
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Notes
Keep plants well weeded to reduce competition for nutrients are water. Mulch over the tops of mature carrots to keep their shoulders from turning green.
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Harvesting
Can be harvested over a long period, but the longer plants are left in the ground, the more likely they are to be injured by insects or animals.
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Troubleshooting
Viruses, nematodes, and soil-borne diseases can cause roots to become gnarled or misshapen. Try fast-maturing varieties to sidestep these problems.
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