Sowing, Growing, + Harvesting Carrots – Seeds 'n Such

Carrots are a root vegetable that are known for their sweet, crunchy texture and bright orange color. They are a good source of vitamin A and fiber, and can be eaten raw or cooked in a variety of dishes such as salads, soups, and roasted vegetables. Carrots are also commonly used as a natural sweetener in baking and other recipes.

Sowing

Carrots are typically sown directly in the garden, as they don't transplant well due to their long taproots.
Plant carrot seeds in early spring, as soon as the soil is workable, and again in late summer for a fall crop.
Choose a sunny location with well-drained, loose soil. Carrots thrive in loose, sandy or loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8.
Sow carrot seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, spacing them about 2 inches apart in rows. Thin later to achieve the desired spacing, which is typically 3-4 inches between plants.

Growing

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to aid germination. Watering is crucial during dry periods.
Carrots can take up to 2-3 weeks to germinate. To improve germination rates, keep the soil surface consistently moist by covering with burlap or row covers until the seedlings emerge.
Fertilize with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer before planting or work in well-rotted compost into the soil before sowing.

Harvesting

Carrots are ready for harvest when they reach the desired size and have a rich color. Depending on the variety, this can be anywhere from 50 to 80 days after sowing.
Gently loosen the soil around the carrots with a fork or your hands to avoid damaging the roots.
Pull the carrots from the ground. If the soil is dry, this is easier; if it's wet, you may need to dig them out.
Trim the tops of the carrots to about 1/2 inch and remove any damaged or discolored sections.

Storing + Next Steps

To store freshly harvested carrots, remove the tops to prevent moisture loss. Store them in the refrigerator. You can place them in a plastic bag or container, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and store in a plastic bag.
Carrots can be stored for several weeks in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator. Proper storage helps maintain their crispness and flavor.
If you have a root cellar, you can store carrots there for even longer periods. Ensure the storage area is cool, humid, and well-ventilated.
If you fail to harvest your carrots, leave them in the ground as the tops will flower and produce new seeds next season.

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