A carrot pulled straight from the ground tastes almost nothing like the ones from a shop, which is reason enough to grow them.
Carrots are a direct-sown root crop that dislikes disturbance, so they’re best sown where they’re to grow rather than transplanted. Carrot fly is the main threat — it navigates by scent close to the ground, so barrier height matters more than you’d expect.
Sowing & growing calendar
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow | Sow in March | Sow in April | Sow in May | Sow in June | Sow in July | |||||||
| Harvest | Harvest in July | Harvest in August | Harvest in September | Harvest in October | ||||||||
| Protect | Protect in April | Protect in May | Protect in June | Protect in July | Protect in August | Protect in September |
Care details
- Sow March – July
Sow thinly in rows; resow every few weeks for a steady supply.
- Protect April – September
Cover with fine mesh to keep carrot fly off.
- Harvest July – October
Lift as needed — flavour is best pulled fresh.
Growing tips & common problems
- Thin seedlings early — carrot fly is drawn to the scent released when you disturb the foliage.
- Grow in loose, stone-free soil, or use a short variety in heavier ground to avoid forked roots.
- Cover with fine insect mesh straight after sowing rather than waiting for signs of damage.
Grows well with
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