Your comments and tips

11 Jun 17, BARBARA ADAMS TAYLOR (USA - Zone 6a climate)

Is it too late to plant carrots in zone 6a on the 11th of June? Thank you

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08 Jun 17, Shane Cave (New Zealand - temperate climate)

Nematodes are ruining my carrots, what can I do?

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09 Jun 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

Short of sterilising the soil (not recommended) you have a number of options. Crop rotation is you first option; by doing this you will be breaking the cycle of these pests. Plant nematode-resistant varieties; this is not so easy as seed will probably only be available from commercial seed companies. Plant marigolds in the season before your carrots: the pungent smelling marigold roots give off a substance that will deter nematodes. In some South-East Asian countries villagers do this to protect their vegetables, linking the gold flower to Buddha who is said to be protecting their crops. Trust this helps/

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09 Oct 17, Leigh (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)

My aunty swore by growing carrots in sand, I tried it by pouring sand into the hole at planting time, I didn't have any problems( it could have been beginers luck, am trying again this year in a different spot in the garden). That said I don't know if this was to deter nematodes or carrot rustfly/ or eelworms. Good luck

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17 Apr 17, Julie (Australia - temperate climate)

carrots not that great. what is my soil lacking? Rgds Julie

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19 Apr 17, Jack (Australia - temperate climate)

To grow good sized carrots you need soil that is friable and worked down to 20 or 25 cm. If you have enriched your soil with manure it is better to grow at least a leaf crop before sowing carrots. If your soil is shallow or very hard try some of the small round varieties like 'French Breakfast' or 'Paris Market'. You could also plant baby carrots aand hrvest them when they are small. Trust this helps.

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11 Apr 17, Rena Fraser (Australia - temperate climate)

when planting carrot what is apreplantig fertiliser

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11 Apr 17, Ken (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

Being a root vegetable, carrots don't need much nitrogen so if you are using chemical fertiliser use one with a low 'N' number in the N:P:K. If you are growing naturally plant them in an area that has been manured for a leaf crop and also grown a fruiting crop such as beans or tomatoes. This would give you a friable soil with reduced nitrogen.

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10 Apr 17, Al Fry (Australia - temperate climate)

Some say cover carrot seed with old carpet etc to help germination. Is this correct.

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11 Apr 17, Jonno (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

This is correct. Carrot seed is very fine and can dry out easily. This is critical when the new plants are germinating as a hot or windy day can dehydrate the emerging seedlings causing them to die. The carpet will keep the soil damp. People also use old sacks and sometimes boards. Check them each day and remove when the seedlings have emerged. If you also have trouble with ants sprinkle pepper along the row after you have sown the seedlings to keep them away.

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