Vegetable
How to grow carrots
Straight roots come from loose soil.
Overview
Carrots are sown directly where they will grow, since transplanting distorts the roots. Their success depends almost entirely on soil texture: loose, stone-free ground produces long, even roots, while compacted soil produces forked ones.
Common problems and what to do
Forked or stubby roots
Stones, compaction, or very rich soil. Loosen a deeper layer or grow shorter, blunt varieties.
Split roots
Caused by heavy watering after a dry spell. Aim for consistency rather than rescue watering.
Green shoulders
Sun exposure at the crown. Draw a little soil over the tops as they swell.
Harvesting
Pull when the shoulders are visible and colored. Loosen the soil alongside first so the root does not snap.
Beginner tips
- Keep the seedbed damp until germination — this is the step most people skip.
- Thin ruthlessly; it feels wasteful but it is what makes decent roots.
- Deep containers work well if your ground is heavy clay.
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