Carrot

Variety:

Nantes 2

Approx 800 seeds

Sowing:

Seeds should be sown approximately 1cm deep and sowing carrots directly into the soil is recommended as they do not transplant very well. Rows should be around 15cm apart. 

Harvesting:

Carrots can be harvested after approximately 60-80 days when you can see the top starting to pop out of the soil.

Information:

Carrots don't do well in dense soil such as clay so make sure to use a loose fertile soil free that is free from too many stones or too shallow which will stunt their growth. Sowing carrots too close together can also affect their development so make sure to leave sufficient space.

Carrots can be slow to germinate which can take up to 2/3 weeks. 

Sowing can be done from March right through to late August depending on the variety. Carrots enjoy full sun.

Weeds will affect their growth so keep the soil as weed free as possible.

Carrots are a thirsty crop and the soil should be kept moist.

The main pests include carrot fly, aphids and carrot worms. Covering your carrots with a fleece or planting carrots close to strong smelling crops such as onions or garlic can help deter them. If weeding or thinning out your carrots, this needs to be done with care as damaging the foliage can trigger a smell that attracts the carrot fly. 

Nutritional Information:

Other than being infamous for your eyesight due to their high levels of Vitamin A, carrots are also high in water and contain fibre and antioxidants and are low in calories. Having a variety of coloured carrots means a variety of vitamins on your plate. 

Fun Fact:

Interestingly over-eating carrots can change the colour of your skin to an orange-yellow colour due to the beta-carotene in the vegetable.