Carrot Atomic Red

Ideal Growing Conditions

Climate:

• Carrots prefer moderate temperatures and grow best between 15°C to 20°C
• They tolerate light frost but may become bitter if exposed to extreme cold.

Soil:

• Well-draining soil is crucial. Sandy loam is the best, as it allows for free root expansion.
• Avoid heavy clay soils, which can cause deformities in the roots.
• Prep the soil by removing stones, weeds, and debris to a depth of at least 30 cm.

pH:

• The ideal pH range is between 6.0 and 6.8.
• If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, consider adding lime or sulphur to adjust the pH.

Planting Carrots

Timing:

• In most parts of Australia, carrots can be sown from late summer through to spring.
• Consider the local climate; in milder regions, sowing can be done all year round.

Seed Preparation:

• Carrot seeds are small. Mixing them with sand can help distribute them evenly when planting.

Sowing:

• Sow seeds directly into the garden bed. Plant 3 mm deep, and lightly cover with soil.
• Space seeds about 10 cm apart within rows that are 10 cm apart.

Covering:

• Lightly mulch after planting to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Watering and Care

Watering:

• Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during germination (around 2-3 weeks).
• Watering deeply but infrequently encourages deeper root growth. During dry spells, consider watering every few days.

Thinning:

• Once seedlings are about 10 cm tall, thin them so that they are spaced about 10 cm apart. This prevents crowding and ensures larger root development.

Fertilising:

• Use a balanced fertiliser or one low in nitrogen to avoid excessive foliage and focus on root growth.
• A side-dressing of compost along the rows can provide additional nutrients.

Weed Control:

• Keep the area weed-free to minimize competition for nutrients and water. Hand-pull weeds carefully to avoid disturbing carrot roots.

Companion Planting with Carrots

Onions and Garlic:

• These plants help repel carrot flies, one of the primary pests affecting carrots. The strong scent can confuse the flies and deter them from laying eggs near carrots.

Leeks:

• Like onions and garlic, leeks can help ward off pests while also making efficient use of garden space.

Tomatoes:

• Tomatoes can benefit carrots by providing shade, especially in warmer weather. They also help repel certain pests.

Lettuce:

• Lettuce grows quickly, allowing for effective space use. It can provide some shade for young carrots, helping to maintain soil moisture.

Radishes:

• Fast-growing radishes can be interplanted with carrots. The radishes will mature quickly, and as they are harvested, the carrots will have more space to grow.

Beans:

• Planting legumes like bush beans can fix nitrogen in the soil, which can benefit carrots. However, ensure they do not overshadow the carrots.

Marigolds:

• These flowers are excellent companions as they deter various pests, including nematodes. Their flowering can also attract beneficial insects to the garden.

Plants to Avoid

Dill:

• While this herb is fine to grow, avoid planting it too close to carrots, as they can compete for nutrients and may attract certain pests.

Celery:

• Like dill, it can compete for nutrients and may not be beneficial to neighbouring carrots.

Fennel:

• Fennel is known to be allelopathic, meaning it can inhibit the growth of surrounding plants, including carrots.

Planting Arrangement Tips

Intercropping:

• Use intercropping techniques to maximize garden space and productivity. For example, plant fast-growing radishes in between rows of slower-growing carrots.

Row Planning:

• Alternate rows of carrots with their companion plants. For example, you might plant a row of carrots followed by a row of onions or marigolds.

Vertical Space:

• Consider using vertical space efficiently. Taller plants (like tomatoes) can be placed on the northern side of carrots to minimize shading.

Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests:

• Carrot fly: Use floating row covers to prevent female flies from laying eggs at the soil surface.
• Aphids: Regular inspections can help. Use insecticidal soap if numbers are high.

Diseases:

• Fungal diseases: Ensure adequate spacing and airflow around plants. Crop rotation can also help reduce disease risk.

Harvesting

Indicators:

• Carrots are typically ready to harvest 60 days after sowing. Feel the tops to judge size. Ideally, they should be about 2.5 cm in diameter.
  • Harvest them early for baby carrots or leave them to reach full size.

Harvesting Method:

• Loosen the soil around the carrot with a fork before pulling them out to avoid breaking the roots.
  • Gather during dry weather for easier handling.

Storage

Short-Term:

• Store unwashed carrots in the fridge in perforated plastic bags. This maintains moisture and crispness.

Long-Term:

• For long-term storage, they can be kept in wooden boxes filled with sand in a cool, dark place.

Additional Tips

Succession Planting:

• For continuous harvests, practice sowing seeds every 2–3 weeks.