Carrot Nantes

Carrots not only bring a vibrant splash of color to the table but also pack a nutritious punch. Rich in vitamin A, they promote healthy eyesight and offer a delightful treat for both humans and pets.

Before Planting: Ensure well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0-7.0. Till the area to achieve deep, loose, and fertile soil. Enhance moisture retention and cultivate straight, smooth roots by incorporating sandy soil and peat moss.

Planting: Sow seeds from early spring to midsummer, spacing them 1 inch apart (about 15-20 seeds per foot) and planting them 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in single rows spaced 16-24 inches apart. Sprinkle the soil surface to maintain moisture. Prevent soil crusting before seedlings emerge, which typically takes 1-3 weeks depending on temperature and moisture levels. Thin young seedlings to 1-2 inches apart, based on desired root size.

Watering: Provide at least 1 inch of water per week.

Fertilizer: Apply a light layer of mulch around the carrots. Stay vigilant with weeding, and consider applying fertilizer five weeks after planting.

Carrots can be harvested at various sizes, but their flavor is at its peak when they have fully turned bright orange or reached their mature color. After harvesting, it is recommended to store them at cold temperatures slightly above 0ºC. They can be stored in sand, sawdust, or even left in the garden under a pile of soil during the winter, allowing you to pull them out as needed.

Under ideal conditions, a minimum of 60% of seeds will successfully germinate. The typical lifespan of seeds is around 3 years. For every 100 feet of row, approximately 2.4 million seeds are required, while on an acre of land, approximately 1.044 billion seeds are needed. These rates are based on raw seeds and not pelleted seeds.