Carrot

Scarlet Nantes

Old Favorite, Flavorful, Tender, Excellent for Juice

Description

Carrots grow in most any garden, regardless of the type of soil. The key is to choose the variety that best suits your soil type. Scarlet Nantes is an old favorite that has exceptional flavor and tenderness. It is a medium length, cylindrical type that grows to 6-7 inches long and 1 inch thick.

Planting

Carrots are a cool season crop and germinate in cool, moist conditions in late winter and early spring. Prepare the soil so that it is deep and friable with few clumps or large stones to prevent misshapen roots. Mix 1 pound of a commercial fertilizer (5-10-10 or equivalent) into every 50 square feet of soil. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers or uncomposted manure. For prolonged harvest, stagger your plantings every 2-3 weeks.

Care

Carrot seeds will not germinate unless you keep the soil moist. When seedlings reach 3 inches tall thin plants to 2-3 inches apart. Fertilize and cover with organic mulch when plants are 6 inches tall to prevent cracking of exposed roots. Avoid overwatering.

Harvest

Pull when roots are of good size but still tender. Drench the bed with water for easy harvesting.

Hint

Before seeding, work into the top 4 inches of soil a thin layer of wood ashes to add potassium to the soil for sweeter carrots. To improve germination cover the seedbed with a wet burlap bag until seedlings emerge.

Nutrional Value

High in Vitamin A