Carrots are a staple crop, rewarding with sweet, crunchy roots in a range of colours.
When to Sow
- Direct sow Feb–Jul.
- Earlier sowings possible in tunnels.
How to Grow
- Sow thinly in rows 20cm apart.
- Thin seedlings to 5–8cm spacing.
- Avoid fresh manure to prevent forking.
Harvesting
- Harvest from 12 weeks after sowing.
- Lift carefully to avoid damage.
Polytunnel Growing Tips
- Earlier sowings give spring carrots.
- Protection from carrot root fly when grown under mesh or inside a tunnel.
- Choose shorter-rooted varieties for shallow tunnel soils.
Quick Tips Recap
- Sow: Feb–Jul
- Spacing: 5–8cm
- Harvest: From 12 weeks
- Polytunnel advantage: Early crops, pest protection
