How to Grow Carrots At Home (From Seeds and Tops)

This article highlights how to grow carrots at home. It’s not difficult, but you should know a few things before getting started.

We’ll explain the basics of growing carrots from seeds and tops and give you some tips on how to get the most out of your crop.

When to Plant

You can start planting carrots in spring and fall. They do not do well in hot weather.

Plant them 10 to 12 weeks before the first frost for a fall harvest and 2 to 3 weeks before the last spring frost for a spring crop.

How Long Does It Take Carrots to Grow?

After sowing the seeds, they take 50 to 80 days to reach the cooking stage and about 30 days to grow and mature from the carrot tops.

But there’s a little wiggle room there, depending on the climate and the type of carrot you’re growing.

For example, if you’re growing Danvers carrots, they’ll take a little longer to grow than if you’re growing Little Finger carrots.

And if you grow them in a warmer climate, they may take less time to develop than if you grow them in a colder climate. So just keep that in mind as you’re planning your garden!

Spacing

When spacing your carrots, just know they’ll need room to grow. If planting them in a row, give at least three inches between each seedling and 16 to 24 inches between rows.

You’ll thin the seedlings when they are at least an inch tall.

If you’re growing them in containers, you’ll need to be more precise with the spacing. Carrots do not like to be snug, so thin them about 1 inch apart.

Growing Carrots from Seeds

First, select the right kind of seeds. Once you’ve decided on the variety you want to grow, it’s time to get planting.

The seeds need light to germinate, so it’s best to plant them in a sunny garden. Also, ensure the soil is rich, well-tilled, loose, and moist. They prefer neutral to slightly acidic soil.

When the seedlings are up, don’t forget to thin them properly according to the required space between each carrot plant and the rows.

Planting Carrot Tops

Cut off the top of the carrot, leaving about an inch of the stump (the orange part), and then plant it in the soil.

You can also regrow the scraps in water. Just stick toothpicks on each side of the stump. Next, balance the top with the toothpick on a glass dish.

Now, fill the dish with water until the water touches the bottom of the carrot stump. Afterward, place the dish in a sunny spot and wait until you see roots sprouting.

When roots appear, move the carrot stump into a container with soil. Carrot tops can be planted year-round.

There’s also the newspaper method. Place multiple layers of newspaper on a plate or open container and soak them in water, ensuring there is no standing water.

Next, place the carrot tops on the moist newspaper and wait a few days for them to shoot roots.

Growing in Containers

Most varieties require a container with a depth of at least 12 inches to grow properly. Also, ensure there are holes in the bottom of the pot.

Next, fill the pot with a light and loose soil mix. You can mix or buy potting soil from your local garden center.

Fill your container with the soil mix, press the seeds into the soil, and cover them with a thin layer of soil.

Finally, lightly water them and ensure they receive ample light.

Fertilizer Requirements

You can fertilize when the tops are 3 inches or taller. Use a fertilizer with more phosphorus and potassium than nitrogen.

You can also add compost to the soil, but be sure not to use fresh manure.

Watering Needs

When it comes to watering carrots, you don’t want to overwater them.

The best way to tell if your carrots need water is to check the soil. If the soil’s top layer is dry, it’s time to water. But be careful not to go too hard on the water. Keep the soil moist, not wet.

The plants need at least an inch of water per week.

Companion Planting

Carrots are one of the best vegetables for companion planting. Some plants repel pests, while others attract beneficial insects.

By pairing plants correctly, you can create a natural balance in your garden that will help keep your plants healthy. This method also contributes to soil improvement and much more.

Crops you can plant in the same bed as carrots include onions, chives, lettuce, and legumes.

Pests

Now that you’ve established your carrot garden, you must know the pests that can affect your crop. The most common carrot pests are aphids, flea beetles, carrot rust flies, and wireworms [1].

You can avoid these critters by spraying your plants with a neem oil solution or using insecticidal soap. There are also many other natural remedies for eliminating pests from your garden.

Plant Diseases

Another thing you need to be aware of when growing carrots is that they’re susceptible to certain plant diseases. Among the common ones are soft rot, bacterial leaf blight, downy mildew, scab, and black root rot [2].

All of these diseases can be treated with a combination of crop rotation, sanitation, and fungicides. But it’s essential to be on the lookout for them, especially if you’re growing carrots in your backyard.

The good news is that these plant diseases are not too difficult to treat, and with a bit of diligence, you should be able to eliminate them.

Harvesting

When your carrot shoulders are about 1/2 to 3/4 inches in diameter, it’s time to start harvesting.

Twist them from the ground, gripping the plant by the foliage. Next, give them a good wash.

Takeaway

Carrot farming is relatively easy, so prepare a little space in your backyard for growing them. They are also healthy, versatile vegetables.