How to grow straight carrots?
1. Preparing the soil
Carrots (and other root vegetables like parsnips, celeriac, kohlrabi, turnips and swedes) are best grown in soil that was last fertilised for a previous crop. Too much fertiliser or manure can cause carrots to produce excessive 'hair' (fine roots) and be contorted.
These veggies do best in a sandy loam that doesn’t clump when moist – there needs to be enough light so that it doesn’t offer too much resistance to the developing roots which will mature to be the edible crop. The soil also needs to drain well – if it’s too wet, root crops will rot.
The main steps to soil preparation for carrots (and other root veggies) are:
- Dig the soil over to a depth of at least 30cm.
- Break the soil up so it is a fine, even texture - remove any large clods, rocks or anything else that could affect the developing carrot.
- To lighten the texture of heavy loam or clay and make it easier for carrots to push through, add in some horticultural sand and thoroughly mix it through the soil to a depth of at least 30cm.
- Do not apply manure or fertiliser before sowing – soil that is too rich or has just been fertilised will increase the chances of carrots in particular being stumpy and forked.
2. How to grow straight carrots from seed
Carrot seeds are reasonably easy to handle and germinate quickly – they’re a great crop for getting the kids involved in gardening.
There are many different carrot varieties available in seed packets – Topweight is one of the most popular and reliable. Try a few different coloured types to add interest to your diet. Check the use by date on packets to ensure seeds are fresh.
3. Sowing carrot seeds
Follow the instructions on the seed packet about furrow depth and how far apart rows should be. If carrot seed is sown too thickly, and the young seedlings are not thinned out enough, the plants will crowd one another and their roots will bend, curl and twist around each other.
Seedlings should be thinned when they are about 4 weeks old – those removed maybe transplanted but refer to point 2 above first. Give each seedling enough space to grow without interference from its neighbours – allow at least 5-8cm between them depending on variety. Recommended spacing is often included in the packet instructions.
Top tip: Curly or straight, home-grown carrots taste great. Their appearance doesn’t affect their flavour or the rich load of vitamins and minerals they bring to a healthy diet.
