How to Grow Carrots in Planters
Carrots are one of the UK's most popular vegetables but, saying that, they aren’t always easy to grow. Although unusual to have to think of pests the moment you want to grow something it is important, when thinking of growing carrots, to familiarise yourself dreaded carrot fly. It is worth taking time to read our earlier blog 'How to Protect Carrots from Carrot Fly'.
One of the easiest ways to grow carrots successfully and easily is by sowing seeds directly into Carrot Planters - they're ideal for growing in small spaces such as patios, balconies and terraces!
What are the advantages of growing carrots in planters?
But also, planting in planters will raise your carrots up to avoid more of the carrot flies. Carrot flies only fly to a maximum of around 40 cm from the ground so are less likely to stumble across your crop if its not at ground level. There is almost no weeding to be done when using carrot planters and you don't need any heavy gardening tools at all, just light, water, and fertilizer.
When is the best time to grow carrots?
Carrots can be grown all year round in all conditions except extreme heat.
Sow from early Spring right through to August. Early August really is the last month where you can sow carrot seeds. How do you grow carrots in planters or containers?
Step 1: Add a layer of gravel to the bottom of your planter, just level with the drainage hole. If you aren't using a dedicated Haxnicks Carrot planter then make sure your container has drainage holes so your carrots don't sit in water.
Step 2: Add multipurpose compost up to 4cm (1½") from the top of the planter and water if very dry.
Step 3: Mark out 2 trenches 13mm (1/2") deep 15cm (6") apart. I’ve used a bamboo cane here, but you can use a 'dibber' or even a finger if you like!
Step 4: Empty seeds into the palm of your hand – this will make it easier to space the seeds out when you go to sow them in the ‘drills’ you made.
Step 5: Starting with the little finger, roll each digit in a 'Mexican wave' fashion so that the seeds roll off the side of your palm. This takes a bit of practice, so try doing it on a folded sheet of paper first. Remember to sow thinly, carrots need space and 'thinning out' will only increase the risk of attracting carrot fly.
Step 6: Cover over the drills you made with compost and water using a watering can. Make sure the ‘rose’ head attachment is fixed on securely so you don’t wash all the seeds away!
If you have sowed too many seeds then you will need to thin them out. Be very careful when doing this as the scent from bruised carrot seedlings is sure to attract carrot flies.
When should I thin out carrots?
Once the seedlings are about 2” tall they should be thinned out. Thin to about 1” apart and when 6” tall to 2” apart. At this stage excessive or overwatering should be avoided as it will tend to crack the roots.
Aftercare for planting carrots
Weed the crop regularly making sure not to disturb the roots too much. A good mulch will help to retain moisture and keep the weeds at bay - keep the seedlings well watered in dry weather.
Harvesting and storage
Start to harvest usually 7 - 8 weeks after sowing.
Lift carefully with a fork rather than pulling, especially when the soil is dry. Main crop carrots can be left in the soil and harvested as required. Later in the year you may need to cover with straw of fleece as the temperature drops. Alternatively you can lift your crop in mid Autumn and store in a box of sand or dry potting compost. Trim the foliage to 1cm and make sure the carrots are not touching. Stored in this way they should last throughout the winter.
Remember if you still are growing carrots and parsnips and they are still in the ground by mid-November they should be lifted before the heavy frosts. They can then be stored in a cool place for up to 5 months.
We hope this has shed some light on how to grow carrots for you. Let us know below if you have any questions.