When is the best time to plant carrots?

Carrot is an annual or biennial herb of the genus Daucus in the Apiaceae family. It has a long history of cultivation and was introduced to China as early as the 13th century through trade and cultural exchanges. Since then, carrots have won the favor of the people for their unique flavor and nutritional value, and have been widely planted and popularized in many provinces, such as Hebei, Henan, Shandong and Zhejiang. Let’s learn together when is the best time to plant carrots?

When is the best time to plant carrots?

The suitable sowing period for carrots is usually from late July to early August. For southern regions, the sowing time can be appropriately postponed to the end of August. Carrots sown during this period will reach their peak growth in September, and it is recommended to be harvested before the beginning of winter. Doing this will not only help the carrots to store, but will also ensure they become an easy-to-preserve winter vegetable .

High-yield carrot planting techniques

1. Deeply till the soil

Since the fleshy roots of carrots need to grow deep into the soil, the soil must be loose and breathable. Before planting, the soil should be turned to a depth of at least 20 cm to facilitate the growth of fleshy roots. Compacted soil will stunt the growth of fleshy roots, which may become stubby or forked.

2. Reasonable fertilization

Growing carrots requires the application of fertilizer , but it must be done with caution. Uncomposted organic fertilizers should not be used to avoid causing pests and diseases and damaging the root system. When applying fertilizer, it should be applied deeply or mixed with the soil, and avoid applying the fertilizer too close to the seeds to prevent the fleshy roots from being short or forked. Applying an appropriate amount of wood ash helps root and rhizome growth, prevents diseases and pests, and improves quality.

3. Ridge planting

Ridge planting helps to loosen and breathe the soil, increase the thickness of the soil layer, and is conducive to the growth of fleshy roots. The row spacing is recommended to be kept at 50-60 cm, with two rows planted per ridge. The fleshy roots of carrots grown on ridges are usually straighter and longer than those grown on flat ground, and the yield is higher.

4. Management before and after emergence

The soil should be kept moist from sowing to emergence, and moisture can be retained by covering it with straw mats, weeds, etc. After germination, thinning should be done in time to ensure that there is enough growth space between the seedlings to avoid crowding. Thinning can be done in stages to promote healthy growth of seedlings.

The above are some key planting and management measures to improve carrot yield and quality. Growers should make appropriate adjustments based on their actual conditions. Carrots are a popular vegetable with a wide planting period, from late June to September.