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How to Grow Carrots

Growing and Cooking Carrots

Carrots are relatively easy to grow and can be planted as seeds throughout the year.  Plant them in rows in garden beds, or in deep containers.  You can even cut the tops off carrots and get your children to grow them in dishes of water as an introductory experiment in horticulture.

Growing conditions
  • Most varieties require sandy, light deep soil that is well drained.
  • Prefer soils free of strong manures.
  • Prefer a sunny area but will grow with partial shading. In winter months plant in raised beds or containers and protect with suitable plastic coverings.
Soil Nutrient requirements
  • Grow in a loose soil (sandy loam is ideal), so the carrot can form properly.
  • Use an all purpose fertiliser, plus some lime or dolomite (add before planting).
  • Minimize nitrogen, and maintain good levels of phosphorus and potassium.
  • Carrots require a pH of around 6.3.
Planting 
  • Depending upon the variety, seeds can be grown in most areas all year round.
  • The ideal time for sowing seeds is generally spring through to summer.
  • Seed are mainly small and fine; they can be added to dry sand to increase their bulk and thus are easier to sow.
  • Soak bed well before planting and keep moist until germination.

Cooking With Carrots

Carrots contain a large amount of sugar which adds to their nutritional value. Old carrots should be blanched before cooking

How to Cook Glazed Carrots
  • Pare some young carrots.
  • Place them in a pan covered with cold water.
  • Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1--2 tablespoons sugar, and 50g (quarter cup of butter) for each half litre of water.
  • Bring to the boil.
  • Cover pan lower heat and simmer until liquid has evaporated.
  • Shake pan so that carrots are covered in the syrupy liquid and serve.

Nutrient Value of Carrots

  • Carrots are rich in beta-carotene.
  • Beta-carotenes are converted into vitamin A in the body.
  • Other orange or yellow fruits and vegetables such as pawpaws, mangoes, pumpkin, oranges and peaches are also rich in carotenes.
  • Some green and red fruit and vegetables such as red peppers, broccoli, and spinach are also rich in carotene, but their orange colour is overpowered by the green pigment chlorophyll.

Did You Know?

  • Carrots were originally a native plant of Afghanistan.
  • The early varieties were red, black and purple.
  • Orange carrots were developed in Holland in the 17th century.

Learn About Growing Your Own

A great many different vegetables and fruits can be grown in your own garden. Produce from your own garden is great because not only is it the freshest source of food, you also know how it has been grown. There is also the appreciation of being able to nurture your own plants and watch your vegetables, fruit etc. develop.

There is plenty to learn about and whether you are looking to use your garden or allotment for producing food, or beautiful flowers we have a course for you! Our courses have been developed by expert gardeners and horticulturists. They are studied by distance learning and include plenty of practical elements and exercises so you can put into practice what you are learning.

Some links to courses of interest are shown lower down this page. All of our courses are available to start at any time. If you are thinking of taking a course but have some questions, or are not sure which course to choose you can get in touch with our expert Horticulture tutors today. They will be happy to help you.

[28/03/2024 23:14:04]

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