The Zimbabwean Gardener Issue 2 Spring 2012 | Page 22

This season’s vegetable

Carrots

Carrots are a popular vegetable which are
relatively easy to grow for the beginner
and experienced gardener alike.

When to grow carrots

They can be sown right throughout the year as they
can withstand colder temperatures longer than most
garden vegetables.

Preparing the bed

Like most vegetables, carrots grow well in the
full sun but will tolerate a small amount of shade,
but generally don’t do well in heavily shaded
areas. Carrots also do well if grown in containers
or pots as long as the pot or container allows for at
least 30 cm of soil.
Before planting, it is a good idea to prepare the soil by digging
it down at least 30 to 50 cm, otherwise the growth of the
longer varieties will be stunted, and then mix in compost well
and evenly. When planting in heavy or clay soil, carrots do
better with good compost and river sand mixed into the soil.
Remove all rocks, stones, branches and other debris, which
will inhibit its growth.

Planting carrots

Since carrots are root vegetables, they do best when the
seed is planted directly into the soil, rather than being
transplanted. The easiest way to plant them is to make rows,
10 cm apart at a depth of one centimetre. Ideally the seeds
should be placed 4 cm apart but the seed is very fine and it is
hard to get it exact so sprinkle them carefully along the row.
Do not cover the seed and keep moist at all times.
Once the seed has been sown down each row, do not
compact the soil on top of the seeds as this will slow down
germination. Water everyday to keep the soil moist until they
start to germinate. Germination takes about 14 days.

Maintenance and harvesting carrots
After the seedlings have emerged, thin them to 4 cm apart
by gently pulling the entire carrot out of the ground, being
careful not to disturb the other nearby plants; thinning
should be done throughout harvesting. Once the carrots start
growing, mulch should be applied throughout the growing
season. If the top of the carrots is above ground, cover it with
mulch as \