How to Propagate Carrots

Carrots are a root vegetable that is very hardy.

Carrots are a cool season vegetable that grow best when planted in the late summer or early fall. The carrot vegetable is actually a root. Growing your carrots in the mid-summer creates baby carrots which are smaller and a bit sweeter. Carrots are commonly propagated from seed, which are available from almost all gardening centers. Carrots are not only nutritional, they are also simple to grow, making them an ideal candidate for home gardens.

Things You'll Need

• Compost
• Tiller
• Hoe
• Seeds

Instructions

1. Add a 1 to 3-inch layer of compost to the garden soil. Till the compost to a depth of 4 inches to improve the soil quality.

2. Create rows every 12 to 18 inches using a hoe. Dig to a depth of a 1/4 inch.

3. Apply seeds to the row liberally, then cover the seeds with a 1/4 inch of compost or vermiculite. Moisten the compost or vermiculite so that it is moist but not soaking wet.

4. Thin the carrots to one per inch. Thin further once the tops fill out to one plant every 2 to 3 inches.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Carrot
• Clemson Cooperative Extension: Carrot, Beet & Radish
• Ohio State University Extension: Growing Carrots in the Home Garden