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How To Grow Carrots: Detailed Cultivation
How To Grow Carrots: Detailed Cultivation
Fertilization
Carrots do not seem to be very picky about fertility, but do require some fertility to grow well. A medium amending of a balanced organic fertilizer or homemade, well-rotted compost will do just fine. Do not over-fertilize...heavy applications of nitrogen can cause the roots to fork.
It is important to choose the right type of carrot to match your type of soil. There are five main types of carrot:
1. Danvers Perform well in heavier/clay soils. Thick, tapered roots. Good for storage. Popular for juicing. 2. Chantenay Conical roots with rounded tips. Good for storage. Not too picky about soils... also performs well in heavier/clay soils. 3. Nantes Cylindrical roots with rounded tips. Typically very sweet. Prefer looser/sandy soils. 4. Imperator Most widely grown - longest storage. Not as sweet due to large core. Require deep, loose, well-drained soils. 5. Mini/Planet Very small, sometimes round roots. Bred to grow in any type of soil, including the heaviest clay.
Soil Preparation
Regardless of the carrot variety you choose to grow, carrots will perform best in deeply cultivated, loose garden soil. Soil high in organic matter, amended with high quality compost will grow great carrots. Remove as many rocks as possible in the growing bed to allow for un-checked growth of the roots. Some gardeners have good success growing carrots in raised beds, due to the inherent loose nature of the soil. The soil should not be over-tilled, as this may cause the soil