I really wanted to try growing carrots. It seems like it would be fun to go dig them up when they're ready and see how they turned out. Each day I watch as the tops are growing and I can't help but wonder what's happening beneath the dirt. I'm curious by nature but it's how I learn. My toddler loves to pull the baby carrots up and eat them. I needed to do some thinning anyway so I decided to pull some and see how they're coming along. They are so adorable. I love that they already have their color and that you can already tell the difference between the varieties.
I planted 3 types of carrots in the garden. I planted Parisienne, Little Finger and Cosmic Purple carrots. I learned that carrot seeds are tiny and that even when you think you are scattering them evenly- you are not. I had very splotchy growth. Big patches of hundreds of carrots and then big bald spots. I had to do lots of thinning. I will have to plant differently next time- perhaps using seed tape.
Admittedly, I think I sowed seeds a little too soon. I planted them in mid- April. Nothing sprouted after several weeks. I waited until it was a little warmer outside and sowed them again - this time with success. I believe the second sowing was sometime in early May.
Admittedly, I think I sowed seeds a little too soon. I planted them in mid- April. Nothing sprouted after several weeks. I waited until it was a little warmer outside and sowed them again - this time with success. I believe the second sowing was sometime in early May.
Parisienne Carrot
This is a small round carrot. The catalog describes it as "...easy to grow....great for home and market gardens..."
This carrot type is very popular in french cooking hence the name. Who know I could make gardening so chic?
Maturity is about 65-70 days
This is a small round carrot. The catalog describes it as "...easy to grow....great for home and market gardens..."
This carrot type is very popular in french cooking hence the name. Who know I could make gardening so chic?
Maturity is about 65-70 days
Cosmic Purple Carrot
Obviously I picked this variety for its bold and gorgeous color. It is so unique looking! Maturity is about 65-70 days.
Obviously I picked this variety for its bold and gorgeous color. It is so unique looking! Maturity is about 65-70 days.
Little Finger
I chose this variety because it is a baby-type carrot. When mature they're about 3 inches long and perfect for snacking. I also picked this variety because the maturity is 55 days. This way I can pick these about 2 weeks prior to the other carrots being mature.
I chose this variety because it is a baby-type carrot. When mature they're about 3 inches long and perfect for snacking. I also picked this variety because the maturity is 55 days. This way I can pick these about 2 weeks prior to the other carrots being mature.