EXTENDING THE SEASON WITH CARROTS

Fresh and crunchy, pulled straight from the soil or compost, carrots can be a culinary delight for much of the year, says Fresh and crunchy, pulled straight from the soil or compost, carrots can be a culinary delight for much of the year, says Martin Fish

- Martin Fish

As fresh veg goes, you can’t beat a crunchy carrot pulled straight from the garden. Full of flavour and packed with vitamins, for me carrots are a must-grow crop. The great thing about carrots is, with just a little planning, you can enjoy your home-grown roots for much of the year, starting the season with baby carrots grown in pots, fresh roots from the garden through the summer and autumn and finally some stored carrots to enjoy through the colder winter months.

The range of carrots available from seed is large and all you’ll need for your yearly supply will be three or four varieties. Having said that, once you’ve eaten your own fresh carrots, I bet you’ll want to try many more types, not all of which are orange!

GROWING CARROTS

Carrots and other root crops grow best in a light, well-drained soil, so the roots can grow down without obstructions. It also pays to grow on a rotation system to help prevent a build-up of pests, such as the dreaded carrot root fly. Grow on previously manured ground, but never freshly manured plots. On heavier, clay soil, mix in fine compost or consider growing in raised beds of lighter soil.

For best results, sow directly into well-prepared ground. Early varieties can be sown as early as February in mild areas, or in a polytunnel, greenhouse or cold frame. For maincrops I tend to wait until late March or early April when the soil is warming up. If you have a soil thermometer, wait until the soil is at least 7.5C (45.5F).