Wednesday, February 11, 2009

How to Plant and Grow Heirloom Carrots?


As we all know heirloom carrots are tasty, while different carrots has its special flavors and nutrients. Purple carrots contain antioxidants much like blueberries.

Carrots contain Vitamin A, trace nutrients and fiber. If you are having a hard time getting your children to eat their vegetables, a purple or white carrot just might do the trick.


How to Plant Heirloom Carrots?

Planting organic carrots is very simple and is an excellent project for a beginning gardener. Because carrots are a root, and are grown underground, they are very sturdy and need little attention. You can choose to plant from seed or seed pellet, both available at your local nursery.

The most important element of a bountiful carrot crop is healthy soil. Carrots require a light soil. Add very well processed fertilizer to your soil and dig it in deep. Add bone meal to loosen soil. Check the soil for consistency in texture. Un-decomposed matter or rocks will alter the shape of your carrots. The soil should be loose and rich.

Carrots can be planted throughout the year. Check your gardening zone for local carrot planting times for your particular climate. However, if planted throughout the year, carrots can also be harvested throughout the year, and can be stored for up to three months. If you time it right, you can have carrots year-round!

How to Keep Your Carrots Grow Healthy?

A common natural enemy of the carrot is the Carrot Rust Fly. This fly lays its eggs in carrot plants and the larvae eat through the carrots themselves, causing them to rot. The carrot rust fly also attacks similar plants like parsnips and beets. You may be able to tell that your plants are under attack if the foliage reddens or wilts. There are not always obvious signs that Carrot Flies have infested.

There are several ways to prevent the Carrot Fly from ruining your plot. If you avoid planting your carrots during the period when the fly lays its eggs, you may have nothing to worry about. Do not plant carrots from mid April through early June or mid July through early September.

Carrot flies are attracted to the smell of carrots. When harvesting or thinning your carrots, do so on a still evening. The flies are dormant in the evening and the lack of wind will prevent the smell of carrots from spreading. A thin net spread over your carrot rows will prevent the female flies from laying eggs in your carrots and a high wind area is unappealing to the flies as they are not strong fliers.

* Original address of this The Garden of Eden for Gardeners post: The Garden of Eden for Gardeners

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