When is the ideal time to plant carrots?
Written by
Michael Sullivan
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.The success of How to grow carrots is based on planting during cooler seasons when temperatures range between 45-85ºF. Sow carrot seeds if soil temperatures range between 45-85ºF. Frost-tolerant varieties can handle light freezes as long as the freezes are of short duration. Continuous cold weather will remove germination stalls. I have had great success timing my plantings with the blooms of apple trees and the first blooms of lilacs.
Northern Climates (Zones 3-5)
- Spring: Sow 2 weeks before last frost (April-May)
- Fall: Start 10 weeks before first frost (July-August)
- Use cold frames to extend harvest into winter
Southern Climates (Zones 9-10)
- Plant October-December for winter harvests
- Avoid summer heat above 85°F
- Shade cloth protects seedlings from scorching
Check the soil temperature with a probe thermometer before planting. I insert mine four inches deep into the soil. Seeds will rot in cold mud when the temperature is below 40°F. If you're unsure about the temperature, just wait until the dandelions bloom; nature's indicators are almost always correct. Thin the seedlings out to 2 inches apart by using scissors to avoid overcrowding.
When frost threatens those fall crops, grab the row covers you wisely ordered on the web. Be sure to uncover them on sunny days because those youngsters will cook under cover. My neighbor raves about straw mulch for insulation. When it's time to harvest, go ahead and pick after a light frost, that chilly air changes starches to sugars for that earthy sweetness we love from homegrown food!
Read the full article: How to Grow Carrots: Complete Guide for Beginners
