Carrot

Direct sow in early spring at a depth of .25 to .5 inch deep, .5 inch apart , in rows spaced 12 to 24 inches apart. Thin to 1 to 4 inches apart by snipping seedlings when they are about 1.5 inches tall. Mulch or mound soil around the crowns of plants to prevent green and bitter shoulders.

Dig or pull carrots when they reach full size. Northern gardeners can leave carrots in the ground for winter storage. Mulch the plantings with straw or evergreen branches after the soil is a little crunchy with frost. This insulated the soil, protecting the vegetables and making it easier to harvest in winter. Harvest them throughout the winter for a little fun and fresh-from-the-garden flavor.

Leafhoppers, wireworms, carrot rust worm, aster yellows, leaf spot, soft rot, carrot weevil, slugs

'Purple Haze' - 10-12 inches, purple with orange core, AAS winner 2006
'Little Finger' - 3-5 inches long, golden orange, very sweet
'Gold Pak' - 8 inches, good for juicing
'Orlando Gold' - rich in carotene