The Daucus carota sativus known as a carrot. It is one of the most consumed vegetables in the gastronomy of a large part of the globe. The carrot we know is treated in a tame way. The original wild carrot has a remarkably smaller root and less flavor. In this article, we are going to see how to plant carrots and when to do it, as well as the maintenance essential of the cultivation of carrots to enjoy our vegetables, which will taste better than ever.
It is a plant of the biennial type that is cultivated to consume its root, affluent in potassium, phosphorus, and carotenes. The body transforms into Vitamin A.
How to plant carrots?
To begin to locate ourselves in the cultivation of the carrot, we explain what the best time to place the seeds of this vegetable in the soil of our garden is.
Carrot seeds are not complicated to sow, and although in other climates we must pay close attention to the sowing season, in the Mediterranean area you can plant the carrot for almost the entire year. In contrast, in colder or drier climates, it is recommended to sow between April and July.
Plant carrot seeds
The sowing of the carrot can be done directly on the desired terrain, whether it is an outdoor garden or garden or in an indoor pot. After deciding this, you have to follow these instructions on how to plant carrot seeds.
Planting carrots in a pot will require containers at least 30 or 35 centimeters deep. So, the roots can develop properly. In colder areas or if it is preferred to ensure the proper germination of the seeds. It is also common to plant carrots in the nursery and then transplant them to their final location.
Soak the seeds before planting them, as the carrot is a plant that requires a lot of moisture. You can choose here or leave them in water until two hours before planting them. Otherwise, leave them on papers or damp cloths until 48 hours before being planted.
Prepare a suitable soil or substrate, preferably clayey, and aerate. Moisten it before placing the seeds, whether it is soil, pot or seedbed.
Carrots tend not to germinate usually, or grow some very small. So, it is also recommended to enrich the soil with earthworm humus or organic fertilizer. It will maximize the possibilities of our plants.
When sowing, it forms small holes of a centimeter of depth separated about 2.5 cm between them. Deposits one in each one. Do not worry if a few days pass before you start to see the first buds, as the carrots take their time.
You may also want to know the vegetables that grow well together and learn that carrots grow without problems. Even better if planted next to tomatoes, beans, garlic, onions, and peas. And if you are interested in adding any of these to your garden, we encourage you to know how to grow organic tomatoes.
Transplant the establishment
When the establishment already shows at least two leaves and has a few centimeters of height. If we had planted it in the seedbed, it is time to transplant it. The plant of carrots is very simple:
- It prepares the land of what will be its final location by aerating it. Also, moistening it and enriching it with fertilizer or humus.
- Dig up the carrot carefully, taking also the earth of its surroundings to approximately three centimeters of the bud.
Care of carrot plant
They require having the soil or substrate always moist. Plants will appreciate having a constant humidity to develop as large as possible. Of course, rain should not be confused with ponding. Always avoid the latter, which could bring diseases to plants. Regarding the light, the carrots appreciate very much being at some point in receiving sunlight throughout the day. Only if you live in a particularly hot climate or powerful sun should you place them in semi-shade?
Finally, it is possible that this plant suffers the attack of the carrot fly. If you plant garlic near them, you can prevent your carrots from being damaged by this pest.
When the carrots are picked?
In about three months from planting, the carrots will begin to be ready to be harvested. However, the plant can be collected throughout its first year of life. Allow them to grow more and allowing them to enjoy fresh carrots for longer. On the other hand, if you want your carrots to give seeds so they can be planted again, you should wait until the following year. This is a biennial plant, which accumulates forces and nutrients during its first year of life to then reproduce in the second.