How to Grow Carrots: The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide
- benmcneilly
- Apr 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 1
Carrots (Daucus carota) are a versatile, nutrient-rich root vegetable that can be grown almost anywhere. They thrive in loose, well-drained soil and come in a variety of colors and shapes beyond the familiar orange. Growing carrots at home ensures better flavor, higher nutrition, and no chemical residues compared to store-bought options.
This guide covers how to grow carrots from seed, soil preparation, planting techniques, and harvesting tips to help you get the best results.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Carrot Variety
Different carrot varieties suit different growing conditions and culinary uses. Some popular options include:
Nantes – Sweet, crisp, cylindrical shape, fast-growing.
Chantenay – Shorter, broader, great for heavy or shallow soils.
Danvers – Tapered, deep orange, excellent for storage.
Imperator – Long, slender, and ideal for deep, sandy soils.
Purple, Yellow, and White Carrots – Unique heirloom varieties offering different flavors and antioxidants.
Choosing the right variety depends on your climate, soil type, and preference.
For a more sustainable and perennial approach, consider experimenting with carrot alternatives like skirret (Sium sisarum) or salsify (Tragopogon porrifolius). These perennial root crops offer similar culinary uses while providing better resilience, improved soil structure, and reduced yearly planting effort, making them excellent additions to a low-maintenance garden or to a food forest system. See our other blog posts at Earthling.com for more information.
Step 2: Preparing the Soil
Carrots require loose, well-drained soil to develop straight, healthy roots.
Best Soil Conditions:
pH: 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Texture: Sandy loam or light, well-aerated soil
Nutrients: Moderate nitrogen, high phosphorus and potassium for root development
Depth: At least 30 cm (12 inches) deep for longer varieties
Soil Preparation:
Remove stones and debris – Carrots struggle in compacted or rocky soil.
Loosen soil with a garden fork to 30 cm (12 inches) deep.
Add compost for organic matter, but avoid too much nitrogen (which promotes leafy growth over roots).
Avoid fresh manure, which can cause carrots to fork and split.
Step 3: Planting Carrot Seeds
Carrots are best grown from directly sown seeds, as they do not transplant well.
When to Plant:
Spring planting: After the last frost when soil reaches 10°C (50°F)
Autumn planting: Late summer for a fall harvest; carrots tolerate light frosts
Succession planting: Every 2–3 weeks for a continuous harvest
How to Sow Carrots:
Make shallow trenches about 1 cm (1/2 inch) deep.
Scatter seeds thinly, aiming for 2 cm (1 inch) spacing.
Cover lightly with soil and gently water.
Keep soil moist to encourage germination (which takes 10–20 days).
Thin seedlings to 5–8 cm (2–3 inches) apart once they reach a few inches tall.
Step 4: Caring for Carrot Plants
Watering:
Keep soil evenly moist but avoid overwatering.
Deep watering encourages long, healthy roots.
Weeding:
Hand-weed carefully to avoid disturbing shallow roots.
Mulch with straw or grass clippings to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Feeding:
Use low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote root growth.
Side-dress with compost tea or seaweed extract for trace minerals.
Step 5: Harvesting and Storing Carrots
When to Harvest:
Carrots are ready in 60–80 days, depending on variety.
Gently pull or loosen soil before harvesting to avoid breaking roots.
Harvest before heavy frosts, or mulch heavily for winter storage in the ground.
Storing Carrots:
Store in cool, damp conditions (like a root cellar) for several months.
Refrigerate in a plastic bag for short-term storage.
Freeze or ferment excess harvest for long-term use.
Conclusion
Growing carrots is simple, rewarding, and highly nutritious. By selecting the right variety, preparing the soil well, and providing proper care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, flavorful carrots. For heirloom and organic carrot seeds, visit Earthling.com and start growing your own today!