How to Plant Carrots Using Seed Tape

Seed tape is a relatively new innovation that has simplified gardening and is especially helpful with tiny seeds such as carrots. Lay a strip of seed tape down the row, and the carrot seeds will be planted evenly. Although planting carrots with seed tape is a bit more expensive, it is not only a time saver but is a great choice for beginners, or for gardeners with backs or knees that don't allow a lot of bending over or crouching.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Garden tiller, or shovel and hoe
• Carrot seed tape
• Organic material

1. Work a sunny spot in your garden site with a tiller or with a shovel and hoe about 3 weeks before the last expected frost of the spring season. Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 8 inches, and remove any weeds and clumps.

2. Create a shallow row with the tip of a hoe or a stick. Lay the carrot seed tape down the row and cover it with no more than 1/4 inch of soil. The carrots should germinate in 2 to 3 weeks.

3. Put a 1- to 2-inch layer of organic material around the carrots and down the rows once the carrots' greenery is 3 to 4 inches tall, but be sure not to cover the carrots. Organic material such as peat moss or small bark chips will enrich the soil and keep moisture in and weeds down.

4. Water the carrots lightly, but often. Don't allow the soil to dry out.

5. Harvest the carrots as often as you like. They will be very small at first but will reach full size in about four months. If you want a continuous supply of young carrots, plant a small row every three weeks until mid-summer. The carrot seed tape can easily be cut into smaller strips.

References

• Guide to Growing Carrots
• Seed of the month - Carrot Manchester Table Seed Tape
• Planting Carrots