UmbellifersApiaceae
Carrots.
Cool season
At a glance
The spec sheet.
- Direct sow / out
- Apr 15 – Jul 15 (successions)
- Germ
- 14–21 days
- Days to harvest
- 60–80
- Spacing
- 2–3", rows 15"
- Depth
- ¼"
- Square-foot
- 16 per square
- Qty target
- Two 4-foot rows = winter supply.
Plant
Prep soil deep and stone-free — carrots fork on rocks. Sow shallow; cover with light board or burlap until sprouted (they hate crust).
Care
Thin to spacing at 2" tall — non-negotiable for good roots. Row cover for carrot rust fly (chives + leeks also deter).
Harvest
Pull as needed. Fall carrots sweeten with frost. Store in ground under straw into December.
Root cellar keeps 3–6 months. Pickled, fermented, blanched & frozen, dehydrated.
Companion planting
What carrots likes, and doesn’t.
Good neighbors
- Dill (stunts growth)
- Parsnips (same pests)
- Potatoes
Leeks repel carrot flies while carrots repel leek moths — a very productive pairing.