grow your own VEG

Carrot

By regular sowing of suitable types you can have fresh, frozen or stored carrots all year round. Although, as with most veg, they are at their best when freshly picked.

Sowing

Sow 13mm (0.5in) deep in rows 15cm (6in) apart. Sow thinly to avoid thinning out, or thin to 5-7.5cm (2-3in) apart.

Early cultivars can be sown as soon as February or March under cloches, but the main sowing season is from April to early July.

Growing

Be careful when thinning out to avoid carrot rootfly.

Keep the soil evenly moist to avoid splitting.

Harvesting

Harvest carrots as soon as they are large enough to use; don't aim for the largest roots or you'll sacrifice flavour. Carefully use a fork if the soil is heavy.

Cultivars

View the AGM list (356KB pdf document)

Carrots