Carrot Seeds

This rewarding root vegetable is fairly specific in its requirements for best results. A light, well-drained soil is right, including crumbly loam and coarse sand, but it does not thrive on heavy clay. Thorough preparation of the soil the previous autumn will improve its structure, but do not sow on freshly manured soil, as this will encourage the roots to fork or 'fang'. The earliest sowings benefit from a warm, sheltered position and, if available, cloche protection.

How to Sow and Grow Carrots
Sow outdoors thinly where they are to crop, 1.5cm(½in) deep directly into finely prepared soil which has already been watered. Allow 30cm(1ft) between rows. Early sowings may benefit from cloche protection. Seedlings usually appear in 14-21 days. Thin by harvesting young carrots evenly from the row, allowing remainder to grow on. Water well until plants are established. Regular sowings made every three weeks will ensure a continuous supply of young roots. Roots can be lifted in autumn. Remove soil and store in dry sand.