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About Carrots 
Carrots as we know them today originated from the Mediterranean region. By the thirteenth century carrots were a well established food in Europe and came to America with the first settlers where the Native Americans soon took to growing them.
Carrots will grow in almost anyone's garden regardless of the type of soil. The key to success with carrots is finding the right variety for your garden.
Carrots are tolerant of being mismanaged and store well for very long periods of time. They can even be left in the ground to overwinter although they will be far less tender and tasty than if pulled in the fall.
Like most root crops carrots do not transplant well and are best grown from seed planted directly in the garden.
Planning
Plan successive plantings of carrots starting three to four weeks before the average last spring frost date.
Each variety of carrot has specific planning requirements. For this reason refer to the seed packets you order. We have a selection of seeds from reputable providers for your convenience.
Preparation
Carrots grow best in soils that are deep and loose and have few clumps or stones although they are adaptable to most any soil condition. Stones or other obstacles will cause carrots to branch, creating interesting though arguably undesirable results.
One consideration to take very seriously is that the soil carrots are planted in should drain well. Without this precondition carrots may develop cavity spots which are black spots near the top of the root which cause rot.
Planting carrots in beds rather than rows is often preferred as it makes soil preparation and thinning much easier. Till the soil at least six inches deep.
Carrots require fertilizer so it is a good idea to mix a healthy dose of organic material into your seedbeds before planting. Do not use manure for carrots unless it is well rotted as fresh manure contains high amounts of nitrogen which can cause carrots to branch and/or produce hairy, fibrous roots. Potassium on the other hand promotes solid, sweet-tasting carrots. Wood ashes are a good source of potassium. Sprinkling a thin layer over the seedbed then working it into the top four inches of soil is a good method of providing your future carrots the potassium they desire.
If you intend to use a commercial fertilizer use a 5-10-10 mixture at the rate of 1 pound per 50 square feet of garden bed
Care
Carrot seeds will not germinate if the soil surface is not moist. It will take ten or more days for carrots to emerge. Some gardeners cover their carrot beds with wet burlap sacks after planting in order to keep them surface moist. When the seedlings are showing remove the burlap if you have chosen this method. Water the beds until the seedlings are well established.
Thin carrots to stand roughly three inches apart once they are a couple inches in height. While thinning it is a good idea to remove any weeds that may have begun to establish themseleves between your plants. Carrot seedlings are weak and slow growing when they are young so keeping weeds away during the first several weeks is especially important.
Mulch the carrot plants so the crowns do not get exposed to sun which will cause them to turn green and bitter.
When your carrots are about 6 inches tall give them a feeding of fertilizer
Pests / Disease
Most carrot pests and diseases can be controlled by promptly removing and diseased plants and by practicing crop rotation to fix the nitrogen in the bed for years to follow.
Harvesting
Usually about two to three months after planting carrots will be ready for harvesting. Pick only what you need as mature carrots can retain their flavor in the ground for long periods so long as the weather is not scorching hot.
Carrot Varieties
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