GROWING GUIDE - CARROTS

Looking to grow beautiful, healthy carrots in your garden? This guide covers soil prep, planting, watering, pest prevention, and harvesting so you can grow straight, flavourful roots.

QUICK FACTS

• Sun: Full sun to light shade
• Soil: Cool, loose, well-drained soil for best results
• Germination: 12–14 days
• Suitable for Canadian growing conditions
• Follow seed packet instructions for best results
• Contact T&T Seeds for personalized growing advice

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

Sow carrots early in spring as soon as the soil can be worked. Cool soil helps produce sweeter roots. Because carrots germinate slowly, keep the soil evenly moist during the germination period.

SOIL PREPARATION

Carrots require loose, fluffy, stone-free soil to grow straight roots. Remove rocks and break up clods before planting.

Incorporate well-composted organic matter to improve soil structure, but avoid fresh manure, which can cause excessive top growth and poorly shaped roots.

SOWING

• Water the bed deeply before planting to avoid disturbing shallow seeds later.
• Sow seeds thinly (about 2 seeds per inch) in rows.
• Cover lightly with about ¼ in. of soil.
• Once seedlings reach about 1 in. tall, thin to 1–4 in. apart depending on variety.

Proper thinning is essential—crowded carrots often grow twisted or misshapen.

WATERING

Maintain consistent moisture throughout the growing season. Avoid heavy watering after dry periods, as this can cause roots to split.

CARE TIPS

Carrots perform best in light, sandy, well-drained soil. Keep soil evenly moist but never waterlogged.

FERTILIZING

Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leafy tops at the expense of root development. A light application of balanced fertilizer or compost is usually sufficient.

HARVESTING & STORAGE

Harvest carrots when they reach the desired size. Baby carrots are tender and sweet, while mature carrots develop deeper colour and flavour.

STORAGE

Store carrots in a cool, humid environment for long-term use. Remove tops before storing to prevent moisture loss.

PESTS

• Carrot rust fly: Larvae tunnel through roots. Use floating row covers and consider planting after June to avoid peak activity.
• Wireworms: Chew holes in roots. Improve drainage and rotate crops. Interplanting with mustard may help deter them.

COMPANION PLANTING

Good companions: Beans, brassicas, chives, leeks, lettuce, onions, peas, peppers, radish, rosemary, sage, tomatoes.

Avoid planting near: Dill, parsnips, potatoes.

READY TO START GROWING?

Browse our selection of high-quality carrot seeds and get everything you need to start your garden today!

Shop now at T&T Seeds for the best selection of plants, seeds, and gardening supplies.

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• Browse our complete collection of Vegetable Growing guides
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• Discover companion planting strategies for better yields

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