Carrots
No matter what type of carrot you plant, they all have the same requirements.
- The seeds need slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
- They prefer loose soil high in organic matter.
- The seeds will find it hard to grow through clay soil, so it's best to cover them with a non-crusting material like compost or sawdust ½ to ¾ inches (12 to 19 mm) thick.
- The seeds are very small, so you can try either the mini-row method or gel method to make seeding easier.
- Carrots need to be thinned once the leaves grow to 3 inches (8 cm) high.
- You can transplant the seedlings, spacing them 1 to 2.5 inches apart (25 to 64 mm).
- When the carrots grow to the size of your finger, they should be thinned again 2.5 to 5 inches apart (64 to 127 mm) for nice large carrots.
- You can eat carrots at any size, but the bigger they grow, the woodier they will taste.
- If your garden has earwigs, use a floating row cover.
Fascinating Facts!
- Carrots come in many colors besides orange, including purple, white, yellow, and red.
- The green tops of carrots are edible and can be used in salads or as a garnish.
- Carrots are an excellent source of Vitamin A, which helps to promote good eyesight.
- The world's longest carrot was over 19 feet (5.79 meters) long and weighed over 22 pounds (10 kilograms)!
- Carrots were originally grown for medicinal purposes and not as a food source.
- Carrots are a root vegetable, which means they grow underground.
- The carrot is actually a member of the parsley family.
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