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General Information
Carrots are a favored vegetable that is particularly sweet when home-grown. In Southern California, they tend to do best during the cool, mild weather of early spring and fall.
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On the Web : http://articles.latimes.com/1996-03-02/home/hm-42367_1_carrot-seed
Plant Care Instruction
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- January
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- November
- December
January1. Sow SeedsSow seed in the garden, a raised bed or container in light-textured soil that is easy to penetrate with a garden trowel. Amend ground soil with homemade or bagged compost and remove any clods. Sprinkle the tiny carrot seed over the surface of the soil and then cover with 1/8-inch of a light seed starting mix.2. FertilizeAvoid overfeeding carrots with nitrogen, as too much of this nutrient causes abundant top growth and forking of roots. Once the plant reaches 1-inch tall, feed once a month with an organic fertilizer high in phosphorus, which promotes root growth.3. WaterKeep carrot soil evenly moist at all times. Carrot seeds quickly die if allowed to dry out, and carrots will become tough and crack when exposed to drought. Protect sprouting seeds from drying out, which can occur quickly during Santa Ana winds, by covering with wet burlap or newspapers until the seeds sprout. Mist the carrot tops of carrot plants during windy conditions.4. HarvestHarvest initially by thinning carrots to 2 inches apart. Eat the entire baby carrot, foliage and all. Thereafter, you can begin harvesting carrots when they reach finger size. The smaller the carrot, the more tender it will be.5. Special requirementsCarrots must be planted by seed. They require a light soil that drains well. If carrots run into any obstructions when growing, they will become distorted and stunted. If your soil is not light, plant baby carrots, or use containers or raised beds.February1. Sow SeedsSow seed in the garden, a raised bed or container in light-textured soil that is easy to penetrate with a garden trowel. Amend ground soil with homemade or bagged compost and remove any clods. Sprinkle the tiny carrot seed over the surface of the soil and then cover with 1/8-inch of a light seed starting mix.2. FertilizeAvoid overfeeding carrots with nitrogen, as too much of this nutrient causes abundant top growth and forking of roots. Once the plant reaches 1-inch tall, feed once a month with an organic fertilizer high in phosphorus, which promotes root growth.3. WaterKeep carrot soil evenly moist at all times. Carrot seeds quickly die if allowed to dry out, and carrots will become tough and crack when exposed to drought. Protect sprouting seeds from drying out, which can occur quickly during Santa Ana winds, by covering with wet burlap or newspapers until the seeds sprout. Mist the carrot tops of carrot plants during windy conditions.4. HarvestHarvest initially by thinning carrots to 2 inches apart. Eat the entire baby carrot, foliage and all. Thereafter, you can begin harvesting carrots when they reach finger size. The smaller the carrot, the more tender it will be.5. Special requirementsCarrots must be planted by seed. They require a light soil that drains well. If carrots run into any obstructions when growing, they will become distorted and stunted. If your soil is not light, plant baby carrots, or use containers or raised beds.March1. Sow SeedsSow seed in the garden, a raised bed or container in light-textured soil that is easy to penetrate with a garden trowel. Amend ground soil with homemade or bagged compost and remove any clods. Sprinkle the tiny carrot seed over the surface of the soil and then cover with 1/8-inch of a light seed starting mix.2. FertilizeAvoid overfeeding carrots with nitrogen, as too much of this nutrient causes abundant top growth and forking of roots. Once the plant reaches 1-inch tall, feed once a month with an organic fertilizer high in phosphorus, which promotes root growth.3. WaterKeep carrot soil evenly moist at all times. Carrot seeds quickly die if allowed to dry out, and carrots will become tough and crack when exposed to drought. Protect sprouting seeds from drying out, which can occur quickly during Santa Ana winds, by covering with wet burlap or newspapers until the seeds sprout. Mist the carrot tops of carrot plants during windy conditions.4. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck carrots for aphids.5. TransplantRemove aphids from carrot foliage by spraying the pests off with water. Repeat as necessary.6. HarvestHarvest initially by thinning carrots to 2 inches apart. Eat the entire baby carrot, foliage and all. Thereafter, you can begin harvesting carrots when they reach finger size. The smaller the carrot, the more tender it will be.7. Special requirementsCarrots must be planted by seed. They require a light soil that drains well. If carrots run into any obstructions when growing, they will become distorted and stunted. If your soil is not light, plant baby carrots, or use containers or raised beds.April1. Sow SeedsSow seed in the garden, a raised bed or container in light-textured soil that is easy to penetrate with a garden trowel. Amend ground soil with homemade or bagged compost and remove any clods. Sprinkle the tiny carrot seed over the surface of the soil and then cover with 1/8-inch of a light seed starting mix.2. FertilizeAvoid overfeeding carrots with nitrogen, as too much of this nutrient causes abundant top growth and forking of roots. Once the plant reaches 1-inch tall, feed once a month with an organic fertilizer high in phosphorus, which promotes root growth.3. WaterKeep carrot soil evenly moist at all times. Carrot seeds quickly die if allowed to dry out, and carrots will become tough and crack when exposed to drought. Protect sprouting seeds from drying out, which can occur quickly during Santa Ana winds, by covering with wet burlap or newspapers until the seeds sprout. Mist the carrot tops of carrot plants during windy conditions.4. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck carrots for aphids.5. TransplantRemove aphids from carrot foliage by spraying the pests off with water. Repeat as necessary.6. HarvestHarvest initially by thinning carrots to 2 inches apart. Eat the entire baby carrot, foliage and all. Thereafter, you can begin harvesting carrots when they reach finger size. The smaller the carrot, the more tender it will be.7. Special requirementsCarrots must be planted by seed. They require a light soil that drains well. If carrots run into any obstructions when growing, they will become distorted and stunted. If your soil is not light, plant baby carrots, or use containers or raised beds.September1. Sow SeedsSow seed in the garden, a raised bed or container in light-textured soil that is easy to penetrate with a garden trowel. Amend ground soil with homemade or bagged compost and remove any clods. Sprinkle the tiny carrot seed over the surface of the soil and then cover with 1/8-inch of a light seed starting mix.2. WaterKeep carrot soil evenly moist at all times. Carrot seeds quickly die if allowed to dry out, and carrots will become tough and crack when exposed to drought. Protect sprouting seeds from drying out, which can occur quickly during Santa Ana winds, by covering with wet burlap or newspapers until the seeds sprout. Mist the carrot tops of carrot plants during windy conditions.3. Special requirementsCarrots must be planted by seed. They require a light soil that drains well. If carrots run into any obstructions when growing, they will become distorted and stunted. If your soil is not light, plant baby carrots, or use containers or raised beds.October1. Sow SeedsSow seed in the garden, a raised bed or container in light-textured soil that is easy to penetrate with a garden trowel. Amend ground soil with homemade or bagged compost and remove any clods. Sprinkle the tiny carrot seed over the surface of the soil and then cover with 1/8-inch of a light seed starting mix.2. FertilizeAvoid overfeeding carrots with nitrogen, as too much of this nutrient causes abundant top growth and forking of roots. Once the plant reaches 1-inch tall, feed once a month with an organic fertilizer high in phosphorus, which promotes root growth.3. WaterKeep carrot soil evenly moist at all times. Carrot seeds quickly die if allowed to dry out, and carrots will become tough and crack when exposed to drought. Protect sprouting seeds from drying out, which can occur quickly during Santa Ana winds, by covering with wet burlap or newspapers until the seeds sprout. Mist the carrot tops of carrot plants during windy conditions.4. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck carrots for aphids.5. TransplantRemove aphids from carrot foliage by spraying the pests off with water. Repeat as necessary.6. HarvestHarvest initially by thinning carrots to 2 inches apart. Eat the entire baby carrot, foliage and all. Thereafter, you can begin harvesting carrots when they reach finger size. The smaller the carrot, the more tender it will be.7. Special requirementsCarrots must be planted by seed. They require a light soil that drains well. If carrots run into any obstructions when growing, they will become distorted and stunted. If your soil is not light, plant baby carrots, or use containers or raised beds.November1. Sow SeedsSow seed in the garden, a raised bed or container in light-textured soil that is easy to penetrate with a garden trowel. Amend ground soil with homemade or bagged compost and remove any clods. Sprinkle the tiny carrot seed over the surface of the soil and then cover with 1/8-inch of a light seed starting mix.2. FertilizeAvoid overfeeding carrots with nitrogen, as too much of this nutrient causes abundant top growth and forking of roots. Once the plant reaches 1-inch tall, feed once a month with an organic fertilizer high in phosphorus, which promotes root growth.3. WaterKeep carrot soil evenly moist at all times. Carrot seeds quickly die if allowed to dry out, and carrots will become tough and crack when exposed to drought. Protect sprouting seeds from drying out, which can occur quickly during Santa Ana winds, by covering with wet burlap or newspapers until the seeds sprout. Mist the carrot tops of carrot plants during windy conditions.4. HarvestHarvest initially by thinning carrots to 2 inches apart. Eat the entire baby carrot, foliage and all. Thereafter, you can begin harvesting carrots when they reach finger size. The smaller the carrot, the more tender it will be.5. Special requirementsCarrots must be planted by seed. They require a light soil that drains well. If carrots run into any obstructions when growing, they will become distorted and stunted. If your soil is not light, plant baby carrots, or use containers or raised beds.December1. Sow SeedsSow seed in the garden, a raised bed or container in light-textured soil that is easy to penetrate with a garden trowel. Amend ground soil with homemade or bagged compost and remove any clods. Sprinkle the tiny carrot seed over the surface of the soil and then cover with 1/8-inch of a light seed starting mix.2. FertilizeAvoid overfeeding carrots with nitrogen, as too much of this nutrient causes abundant top growth and forking of roots. Once the plant reaches 1-inch tall, feed once a month with an organic fertilizer high in phosphorus, which promotes root growth.3. WaterKeep carrot soil evenly moist at all times. Carrot seeds quickly die if allowed to dry out, and carrots will become tough and crack when exposed to drought. Protect sprouting seeds from drying out, which can occur quickly during Santa Ana winds, by covering with wet burlap or newspaper until the seeds sprout. Mist the carrot tops of carrot plants during windy conditions.4. HarvestHarvest initially by thinning carrots to 2 inches apart. Eat the entire baby carrot, foliage and all. Thereafter, you can begin harvesting carrots when they reach finger size. The smaller the carrot, the more tender it will be.5. Special requirementsCarrots must be planted by seed. They require a light soil that drains well. If carrots run into any obstructions when growing, they will become distorted and stunted. If your soil is not light, plant baby carrots, or use containers or raised beds. -
Sow Seeds
When can you plant these seeds? When's the best time? Can you start them indoors and move them out? Do they have any special requirements?
January
Sow seed in the garden, a raised bed or container in light-textured soil that is easy to penetrate with a garden trowel. Amend ground soil with homemade or bagged compost and remove any clods. Sprinkle the tiny carrot seed over the surface of the soil and then cover with 1/8-inch of a light seed starting mix.
February
Sow seed in the garden, a raised bed or container in light-textured soil that is easy to penetrate with a garden trowel. Amend ground soil with homemade or bagged compost and remove any clods. Sprinkle the tiny carrot seed over the surface of the soil and then cover with 1/8-inch of a light seed starting mix.
March
Sow seed in the garden, a raised bed or container in light-textured soil that is easy to penetrate with a garden trowel. Amend ground soil with homemade or bagged compost and remove any clods. Sprinkle the tiny carrot seed over the surface of the soil and then cover with 1/8-inch of a light seed starting mix.
April
Sow seed in the garden, a raised bed or container in light-textured soil that is easy to penetrate with a garden trowel. Amend ground soil with homemade or bagged compost and remove any clods. Sprinkle the tiny carrot seed over the surface of the soil and then cover with 1/8-inch of a light seed starting mix.
September
Sow seed in the garden, a raised bed or container in light-textured soil that is easy to penetrate with a garden trowel. Amend ground soil with homemade or bagged compost and remove any clods. Sprinkle the tiny carrot seed over the surface of the soil and then cover with 1/8-inch of a light seed starting mix.
October
Sow seed in the garden, a raised bed or container in light-textured soil that is easy to penetrate with a garden trowel. Amend ground soil with homemade or bagged compost and remove any clods. Sprinkle the tiny carrot seed over the surface of the soil and then cover with 1/8-inch of a light seed starting mix.
November
Sow seed in the garden, a raised bed or container in light-textured soil that is easy to penetrate with a garden trowel. Amend ground soil with homemade or bagged compost and remove any clods. Sprinkle the tiny carrot seed over the surface of the soil and then cover with 1/8-inch of a light seed starting mix.
December
Sow seed in the garden, a raised bed or container in light-textured soil that is easy to penetrate with a garden trowel. Amend ground soil with homemade or bagged compost and remove any clods. Sprinkle the tiny carrot seed over the surface of the soil and then cover with 1/8-inch of a light seed starting mix.
Fertilize
When should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year?
January
Avoid overfeeding carrots with nitrogen, as too much of this nutrient causes abundant top growth and forking of roots. Once the plant reaches 1-inch tall, feed once a month with an organic fertilizer high in phosphorus, which promotes root growth.
February
Avoid overfeeding carrots with nitrogen, as too much of this nutrient causes abundant top growth and forking of roots. Once the plant reaches 1-inch tall, feed once a month with an organic fertilizer high in phosphorus, which promotes root growth.
March
Avoid overfeeding carrots with nitrogen, as too much of this nutrient causes abundant top growth and forking of roots. Once the plant reaches 1-inch tall, feed once a month with an organic fertilizer high in phosphorus, which promotes root growth.
April
Avoid overfeeding carrots with nitrogen, as too much of this nutrient causes abundant top growth and forking of roots. Once the plant reaches 1-inch tall, feed once a month with an organic fertilizer high in phosphorus, which promotes root growth.
September
Avoid overfeeding carrots with nitrogen, as too much of this nutrient causes abundant top growth and forking of roots. Once the plant has reached 1-inch tall, feed once a month with an organic fertilizer high in phosphorus, which promotes root growth.
October
Avoid overfeeding carrots with nitrogen, as too much of this nutrient causes abundant top growth and forking of roots. Once the plant reaches 1-inch tall, feed once a month with an organic fertilizer high in phosphorus, which promotes root growth.
November
Avoid overfeeding carrots with nitrogen, as too much of this nutrient causes abundant top growth and forking of roots. Once the plant reaches 1-inch tall, feed once a month with an organic fertilizer high in phosphorus, which promotes root growth.
December
Avoid overfeeding carrots with nitrogen, as too much of this nutrient causes abundant top growth and forking of roots. Once the plant reaches 1-inch tall, feed once a month with an organic fertilizer high in phosphorus, which promotes root growth.
Water
Is there a time to reduce or increase watering? Any special requirements? Things to avoid during certain times of the year?
January
Keep carrot soil evenly moist at all times. Carrot seeds quickly die if allowed to dry out, and carrots will become tough and crack when exposed to drought. Protect sprouting seeds from drying out, which can occur quickly during Santa Ana winds, by covering with wet burlap or newspapers until the seeds sprout. Mist the carrot tops of carrot plants during windy conditions.
February
Keep carrot soil evenly moist at all times. Carrot seeds quickly die if allowed to dry out, and carrots will become tough and crack when exposed to drought. Protect sprouting seeds from drying out, which can occur quickly during Santa Ana winds, by covering with wet burlap or newspapers until the seeds sprout. Mist the carrot tops of carrot plants during windy conditions.
March
Keep carrot soil evenly moist at all times. Carrot seeds quickly die if allowed to dry out, and carrots will become tough and crack when exposed to drought. Protect sprouting seeds from drying out, which can occur quickly during Santa Ana winds, by covering with wet burlap or newspapers until the seeds sprout. Mist the carrot tops of carrot plants during windy conditions.
April
Keep carrot soil evenly moist at all times. Carrot seeds quickly die if allowed to dry out, and carrots will become tough and crack when exposed to drought. Protect sprouting seeds from drying out, which can occur quickly during Santa Ana winds, by covering with wet burlap or newspapers until the seeds sprout. Mist the carrot tops of carrot plants during windy conditions.
September
Keep carrot soil evenly moist at all times. Carrot seeds quickly die if allowed to dry out, and carrots will become tough and crack when exposed to drought. Protect sprouting seeds from drying out, which can occur quickly during Santa Ana winds, by covering with wet burlap or newspapers until the seeds sprout. Mist the carrot tops of carrot plants during windy conditions.
October
Keep carrot soil evenly moist at all times. Carrot seeds quickly die if allowed to dry out, and carrots will become tough and crack when exposed to drought. Protect sprouting seeds from drying out, which can occur quickly during Santa Ana winds, by covering with wet burlap or newspapers until the seeds sprout. Mist the carrot tops of carrot plants during windy conditions.
November
Keep carrot soil evenly moist at all times. Carrot seeds quickly die if allowed to dry out, and carrots will become tough and crack when exposed to drought. Protect sprouting seeds from drying out, which can occur quickly during Santa Ana winds, by covering with wet burlap or newspapers until the seeds sprout. Mist the carrot tops of carrot plants during windy conditions.
December
Keep carrot soil evenly moist at all times. Carrot seeds quickly die if allowed to dry out, and carrots will become tough and crack when exposed to drought. Protect sprouting seeds from drying out, which can occur quickly during Santa Ana winds, by covering with wet burlap or newspaper until the seeds sprout. Mist the carrot tops of carrot plants during windy conditions.
Pest/Disease Inspection
What are the common problems this plant will face and when should you look for them to appear?
March
Check carrots for aphids.
April
Check carrots for aphids.
October
Check carrots for aphids.
Transplant
When's the best time to dig up and transplant this from one spot to another? (This is different than planting). Any special requirements?
March
Remove aphids from carrot foliage by spraying the pests off with water. Repeat as necessary.
April
Remove aphids from carrot foliage by spraying the pests off with water. Repeat as necessary.
October
Remove aphids from carrot foliage by spraying the pests off with water. Repeat as necessary.
Harvest
When's a good time to harvest this plant? What's the best way to harvest? Are there special requirements or features?
January
Harvest initially by thinning carrots to 2 inches apart. Eat the entire baby carrot, foliage and all. Thereafter, you can begin harvesting carrots when they reach finger size. The smaller the carrot, the more tender it will be.
February
Harvest initially by thinning carrots to 2 inches apart. Eat the entire baby carrot, foliage and all. Thereafter, you can begin harvesting carrots when they reach finger size. The smaller the carrot, the more tender it will be.
March
Harvest initially by thinning carrots to 2 inches apart. Eat the entire baby carrot, foliage and all. Thereafter, you can begin harvesting carrots when they reach finger size. The smaller the carrot, the more tender it will be.
April
Harvest initially by thinning carrots to 2 inches apart. Eat the entire baby carrot, foliage and all. Thereafter, you can begin harvesting carrots when they reach finger size. The smaller the carrot, the more tender it will be.
October
Harvest initially by thinning carrots to 2 inches apart. Eat the entire baby carrot, foliage and all. Thereafter, you can begin harvesting carrots when they reach finger size. The smaller the carrot, the more tender it will be.
November
Harvest initially by thinning carrots to 2 inches apart. Eat the entire baby carrot, foliage and all. Thereafter, you can begin harvesting carrots when they reach finger size. The smaller the carrot, the more tender it will be.
December
Harvest initially by thinning carrots to 2 inches apart. Eat the entire baby carrot, foliage and all. Thereafter, you can begin harvesting carrots when they reach finger size. The smaller the carrot, the more tender it will be.
Special requirements
Any other requirement for this plant? Is there anything that doesn't fit into the other care categories?
January
Carrots must be planted by seed. They require a light soil that drains well. If carrots run into any obstructions when growing, they will become distorted and stunted. If your soil is not light, plant baby carrots, or use containers or raised beds.
February
Carrots must be planted by seed. They require a light soil that drains well. If carrots run into any obstructions when growing, they will become distorted and stunted. If your soil is not light, plant baby carrots, or use containers or raised beds.
March
Carrots must be planted by seed. They require a light soil that drains well. If carrots run into any obstructions when growing, they will become distorted and stunted. If your soil is not light, plant baby carrots, or use containers or raised beds.
April
Carrots must be planted by seed. They require a light soil that drains well. If carrots run into any obstructions when growing, they will become distorted and stunted. If your soil is not light, plant baby carrots, or use containers or raised beds.
September
Carrots must be planted by seed. They require a light soil that drains well. If carrots run into any obstructions when growing, they will become distorted and stunted. If your soil is not light, plant baby carrots, or use containers or raised beds.
October
Carrots must be planted by seed. They require a light soil that drains well. If carrots run into any obstructions when growing, they will become distorted and stunted. If your soil is not light, plant baby carrots, or use containers or raised beds.
November
Carrots must be planted by seed. They require a light soil that drains well. If carrots run into any obstructions when growing, they will become distorted and stunted. If your soil is not light, plant baby carrots, or use containers or raised beds.
December
Carrots must be planted by seed. They require a light soil that drains well. If carrots run into any obstructions when growing, they will become distorted and stunted. If your soil is not light, plant baby carrots, or use containers or raised beds.
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