How to plant carrots?

Carrot is a vegetable that is consumed daily. It is good raw, as well as in hot and cold dishes, stews, soups and salads.But in order to grow a juicy root crop on your plot, you need to know a lot of agrotechnical techniques, including the correct sowing of seeds.

Carrots are a perennial plant of the umbrella family, which is descended from wild ancestors - the forerunners of modern carrots growing in southern Afghanistan. This vegetable was introduced to Russia in the 16th century. Culture quickly spread to the Russian vegetable gardens, becoming a real “vegetable queen”.

Carrots grow equally well in the north and in the southern zones of the country, in Europe and Asia, this vegetable is no less an issue. There are thousands of dishes alone. Rare pilaf in the East does without carrots. In Korea, it is prepared from the famous seasoning. In Germany, carrots are added to the inytropf. Known recipe for cooking carrot strudel.

Carrots are spread by seed in the second year of life. In the first year, it forms a fruit and a leaf rosette. In vegetable farming, carrots are usually grown, characterized by good germination and abundant crops. But there are also fodder carrots for livestock.

Carrots have three sowing terms: autumn, early spring and summer. Terms of vegetable ripening are different and depend on the variety. So, early varieties are ready for use after 90 days, medium ones - after 120 days, and late ones - 140 days after planting. There are also early and super-early varieties of carrots that can produce a crop in 45 days.

It is best to plant seeds in stages: before winter, in spring and summer. In the south of the country, carrots are sown in March, followed by a second sowing in May. For long-stored varieties of the root crop are planted in the soil in the second decade of May. For early harvest, the first part of the seed is planted in the soil in the fall, before winter frosts, the second - at the very beginning of spring, and the third - in the summer. The first two harvests are used for food raw, as well as for cooking and preserving. The last harvest can be stored at the right temperature until spring.

The best predecessor in the rotation of carrots is potatoes. After it, the soil remains fertilized and well plowed, which is of considerable importance in the subsequent planting. Carrots, like any root crop, severely de-energizes the soil, so planting it in a row in one place from year to year is not recommended. The harvest will be reduced, and the plants - to hurt. The best option is to plant carrots once every three years after fertilization and thorough preparation.

Terms of carrot cultivation determine the yield and are directly dependent on the type of this type of vegetable. It is known that carrots are cold culture, capable of germinating at temperatures from + 3 degrees Celsius.

The peculiarity of carrots is that the seeds need more time for germination than any other vegetable. In the early stages, saplings especially need daily moderate watering and weeding. This requires additional cultivation efforts, serious soil preparation and proper feeding before and after sowing. And all because the carrot seeds are very small and it is difficult to plant them.

This property serves well in the wild, due to which the species of this plant migrates, overcoming significant distances, with wind and rainwater. But in horticulture, their small size brings only inconvenience. But this feature man learned to overcome.

For a long time the vegetable was grown without any innovations.therefore, we had to perform additional work on multiple thinning, weeding, additional watering and hilling of this laborious culture, until many innovative ways of planting carrot seeds were invented. Now there are innovative planting methods: on tape, in special granules and using mini-greenhouses. Each of them has its own history, a kind of sowing evolution.

Carrots are considered to be the “queen of vegetables” for a reason.It is perfect for growing and marketing, long retains its presentation and taste. Harvest can be shot all year round, using methods of double cultivation: in the open field and in greenhouses, using multiple plantings. Canneries and baby food factories use carrots as the main ingredient in their products.

This vegetable is equally accustomed to the vegetable stalls of large stores and market stalls. Every home is prepared every day at least one dish with carrots. She does not have time to lie around, because of it you can cook and fragrant borscht dressing, and sweet marmalade. The cost of growing carrots is small, and the harvest more than covers all costs. So, from one hectare of land you can harvest up to 80 tons of carrots for one crop. Plus, you do not need to spend money on storing the product and its subsequent culling and processing.

If you are going to plant on the territory of a vegetable farm or farm, you must use a special agricultural techniques that can facilitate work, save time and get a good result.

To produce weeding carrot rows in large areas is very difficult. To facilitate carrot care, mulch screens are used as mulch in large areas, which can protect plantings from weed attack. Carrots quietly germinate through the holes made, and the weeds have no chance to get through to the light. The material of the film is hygroscopic and able to pass water, maintaining water and gas exchange, giving plants the opportunity to breathe.

In the fields of carrots planted sowing machines. On a garden scale, this is done manually using a simple board and chopper. For landing, the golden eagle is flat-cutter, chopper and plank 10 centimeters wide. With the help of chopper or flat cut cut ridge. The board is superimposed on the surface of the soil with a recess of two centimeters. The formed trench needs to be watered and tamped before planting seeds.

Carrots are very demanding on the quality of the soil. It grows well on domesticated and poorly on unprepared sites. Loves sandy and loamy soils with good aeration. Does not tolerate water stagnation, as well as drought and insufficient watering. These contradictory qualities make it a capricious vegetable. From these factors of growth depends on the shape and quality of the harvest of carrots.

Those who sow carrots in their plot hope to get a good harvest of vegetables, but not everyone succeeds. The reasons lie in the discrepancy between the selected varieties and the conditions of their growth, which, in turn, depends on natural factors, geographic location, as well as on special training. In many ways, the success of the enterprise depends on the preparatory work, which consists in pre-sowing treatment and fertilizer of the soil.

Land for carrots is prepared in advance, tucking rotted manure on a bayonet with a shovel. The procedure is carried out for three years. Exactly so much time must pass before carrots can be re-planted in their original place. Before sowing, carefully level the ground, loosen it, getting rid of weeds. Pre-soil is prepared in the fall, laying in the soil organic fertilizers, for example, humus.

Winter carrots sow strictly according to plan. So, the ridges for planting should be prepared at the end of summer - early autumn. Immediately, as soon as the last harvest occurs, the soil is cleared of weeds, the remnants of the root system of the precursor and stones, dug up, leveled and loosened.If fertilizers with trace elements and minerals are regularly applied to the soil, they are not additionally fertilized. Otherwise, you need to make the necessary amount of phosphorus-containing fertilizers with potassium, as well as organic matter in the form of humus or peat.

In dry weather, the dug up ridges are watered abundantly to bring to the surface weed grass, which is easier to destroy. Before the onset of frosts, planting holes are cut into a depth of five centimeters. Then lined with a layer of straw or wood chips to protect crops from leaching and other negative factors. This preparation with the onset of frosts is completed.

In the spring, planting is prepared approximately along the same lines, only they do not use organic fertilizers. Enough autumn dressing of the soil.

Preparation for planting is also in the proper selection of varieties. Best of all, of course, give preference to hybrids, for example, "Amsterdam" or "Leander." Varieties of carrots vary in precocity, quality of storage, ability to bloom, resistance to negative factors and the effects of diseases and pests. For example, the “Queen of Autumn”, “Dolianka” and others are referred to the crop varieties. Each grade has its own recommendations.

When the choice is made, the soil is prepared, it is necessary to determine the method of planting seed. To do this, pre-soak carrot seeds to remove excess esters that inhibit water penetration into the heart of the seeds, then dry them, and only after this procedure are planted in the soil. To protect against pests, seeds are also irrigated before planting with a weak solution of potassium permanganate. Planting holes are sprayed with the same solution.

There is a method of planting carrots on a peat-humic pad. Its essence lies in the fact that carrot seeds are prepared in a special way before planting. In the spring, about two weeks before planting, the ridge is prepared under the carrot. Each well is poured abundantly with a mixture of peat-humic acids. Separately prepared seed, which is poured into gauze bags, filled with warm water and insist for a short time. Then the seeds are washed under running water in a sieve and soaked for 24 hours in an acid solution.

Often, many gardeners use for planting their own carrot seeds grown on the site. Such plantings are distinguished by 100% germination and resistance to pests due to acquired immunity. For seed harvesting in the spring planted root with a rosette in the soil, carrying out the usual care and providing watering.

Thus, the plant forms a shrub that releases inflorescences in July. To make the seeds large and strong, they remove all adventitious branches, leaving umbrellas in the center. This umbrellas are cut when the stems darken. Then the seed branches are dried together with the seeds in plastic cups. The collected seeds remain in the tank after the removal of empty umbrella shoots.

The seed obtained in this way can be stored for up to eight years, while maintaining the quality of germination. To obtain seeds, it is necessary to plant non-hybrid varieties that retain varietal quality. One root vegetable can bring up to two thousand carrot seeds at a time.

In addition to geographical factors, as well as the climate features of a particular region, soil characteristics and preparatory work also affect the planting of carrots. Carrots sown on the national calendar in early May. In central Russia, there is still a saying: "This is Kozma carrots and beets." Now carrots are sown not only in spring.

Caring for the proper care of carrots is necessary even at the seed stage, then the labor costs will be much lower, and the crop will please selected vegetables grown with their own hands.

In open ground, carrots can be sown as soon as it is ready. Creating a moist environment, it is important not to overdo it, because excessive moisture damages the seeds. On the loose surface of the earth, small grooves are made approximately every 20 centimeters. These pits moisten, sprinkle the bottom with sand and sawdust and tamped.

Then you need to dig into the ground carrot seeds at a certain distance from each other in even rows to a depth of five centimeters. They are carefully covered with a layer of biohumus, soaked with a special substrate and sprinkled with a thin layer of wood ash on top. Watering the ridge before germination is not recommended. But to cover the top with a layer of old mulch stands.

It is important to properly compact the seeded soil for better screed and moisture retention. To the carrot quickly sprung, planting can be covered with plastic wrap, which is immediately removed after germination. In the spring sprouts appear already on the 7th day.

Siderats can be used for crops in late spring - early summerFor example, mustard, which additionally protects the planting from wireworms and other pests. It is planted in the ground before planting carrot seeds so that she has time to grow. Then sheared as they grow.

Winter planting carrots carried out in the prepared soil at a temperature of +5 degrees about 15 days before the start of frost. Then planting richly mulch with peat. Soaking the seeds before planting is not necessary, it is not possible to wash off a layer of essential oils that help prevent early germination of seeds. The area of ​​sowing usually takes a larger surface than the spring planting. To prevent the thinning stage of carrot sprouts, seeds are better sown in smaller quantities, significantly increasing the distance between them.

In a sleeping state, the seeds slumber under the snow, waiting for the time of their germination. As a rule, the first shoots appear much earlier than during spring planting. The most suitable varieties for winter planting are Nantes-14 and Moscow Winter, bred specifically for this purpose. Carrots of these varieties faster than others form a root vegetable. It is not recommended to store such carrots, it is best to eat them immediately.

When the first shoots appear, weeding and loosening are performed continuously, without waiting for the formation of a soil crust, which, by the way, can slow down the appearance of a new growth. Starting tillage during the eruption of the first two leaves on the surface of the ridge, weeding and loosening continue after each watering or rain for the entire period of growing the vegetable.

Thin out carrots in two weeks from the moment of disembarkation, at the same time removing weeds and spuding the plants. Watering the root crop in the morning or in the evening with a watering can or drip method so that the water does not accumulate and build up, and immediately evenly absorbed into the soil. It is not recommended to use cold spring water for irrigation. It must be heated before use in special containers in the sun.

To determine the time of irrigation, they take a handful of earth in their hand and squeeze it - if a lump is formed, then it is still too early to water, and if the earth crumbled and did not merge, then it is time for watering.

It is also important to properly feed the plant during all periods of development. The very first feeding after germination consists of ammonium nitrate. The next is introduced into the soil at the end of the thinning of carrots and contains superphosphate.

There are some tricks when planting carrot seeds. Here is a recipe for planting carrots in kissel. This method of planting small seeds on a helium basis was invented in England. First you need to cook jelly.It is simply brewed: two tablespoons of potato starch is taken per liter of water, you can add a teaspoon of sugar for better adhesion to the surface.

All this is diluted without lumps and with constant stirring brought to the stove to a boil, but not boiled. The resulting mixture is cooled, filtered and poured into plastic bottles or shampoo bottles. A hole is made in the lid, a straw of medium diameter is inserted into it and fixed with adhesive tape or tape. Pre-kissel need to pour carrot seeds at the rate of approximately one planting. When the planting mixture is ready, you need to go out into the garden and pump it in rows into the soil, then cover with a layer of soil and pour it over with water. With this method, the carrot does not need thinning, landing rises much faster and becomes resistant to drought.

In specialized stores you can buy seeds pasted on the tape. This is another progressive way of planting carrot seeds. At home, you can create such a planting surface by sticking seeds on the surface of toilet paper. This is done with the aim of germinating seeds for more precise control over the moisture content of the soil cover.

This method is much more convenient than planting seeds in the ground, which does not guarantee one hundred percent germination. In addition, the place for the procedure will require a bit. It is possible to sow in planting containers or saucers, there is no difference, everywhere shoots are guaranteed. To do this, you need a roll of toilet paper, polyethylene, paste and spray.

Toilet paper is stuck on top of them and then sprayed with water. Carrot seeds are spread on a wet surface not in a row, but through a distance. Then the reservoir is rolled up and placed in a container and in a warm place. There is usually enough water for the germination process. If not, then a homemade greenhouse is sprinkled as needed. After some time, the sprouted material is planted in open or closed ground.

You can not first germinate the seeds, but immediately after applying them to the toilet paper with a safe glue consisting of water and flour, lower the strips into the ground and cover them with earth. Some experts add mineral fertilizers to the adhesive composition, which significantly increases the chances of the plant for germination and good yield.

Such a laying of seeds requires hard work and accuracy, but it protects against insect pests that will not have a chance to get to the seeds and damage them. Crops are not subject to adverse climatic influences and do not need additional weeding and irrigation. Seeds are not washed out of the soil and do not migrate in the soil.

It also uses the method of planting carrot seeds with semolina or sand. The method is based on the principle of mixing seeds with grain (sand) one-to-one for uniform planting in planting grooves.

Tiny seeds of carrots are difficult to plant, and then you have to spit out the extra shoots to make room for the neighboring roots to form. With the help of semolina and sand plant carrots easily and without waste. And the crop grows exceptionally prolific and is distinguished by large root crops.

For the same purpose, used and dried coffee. Mixing it with carrot seeds, you can also achieve the desired effect of uniform germination in the soil, as well as protect the plant from pests. Coffee also perfectly repels insect pests and additionally fertilizes the soil.

To facilitate the sowing of carrots came up with seeds in granules. They greatly simplify the process of planting seeds in the ground. Thanks to the bright color, planting them quickly and easily, and growing such carrots is a pleasure. In any kind of soil guaranteed a good harvest of vegetables.Granules consist of special compounds that supply the seeds with the necessary elements and give them additional protective properties.

It is needed in order to dissolve the seed coat. But these seeds are the best suited for winter plantings. There is no need to fear that they will sprout prematurely or freeze, as they are protected by a special coating - the shell. Crops in granules are covered with peat, ash, and also coffee grounds.

Previously, carrots were planted only in the open field, but over time there was a need to organize greenhouses. In the greenhouse planted only a few varieties of carrots, specially selected for this. For example, "Amsterdam - Forcing", "Nantes-4", "Vitamin", "Zabava" and others.

Indoors, seeds are planted in any way. - seeds, on a tape or in granules, in rows and according to the standard scheme - in one furrow along the film. The depth of planting should be no more than two centimeters, the aisle - no more than 15 centimeters. Particular attention should be paid to the greenhouse soil, which should have good aeration.

Following the basic rules of sowing carrot seeds, you can get up to three harvests of this tasty and healthy vegetable in one season.

In order for carrots to grow properly, forming even roots of the correct shape, it is necessary to control the amount of fertilizer in the soil and watering. These factors in excess can do harm, not benefit.

There are several rules that should be followed at the stage of brooding in the ground in order to grow a good harvest:

• It is impossible to use fresh manure when planting carrots. It contains weed seeds, giving undesirable shoots.
• Nitrogen contained in the ashes, with excess can accumulate in carrots. Therefore, pouring ashes without measure is also impossible.
• Lime is generally undesirable to use as a fertilizer, as it can burn root vegetables. For the same reason, it is not recommended to frequently feed carrots with nitrates and constantly water.
• It is important to feed the carrot correctly, giving it a charge of useful properties, and not overfeeding. Overfed carrot loses its shape, does not grow deep, but wide. Its shape is shaped by nature to penetrate the soil in search of water and nutrients. Violating the natural conditions, we often create these giants of bizarre forms, unfit for food.

• In the process of planting carrot seeds in granules one should pay attention to which seeds have sprouted and mark the brand of one or another variety, as well as the manufacturer of this product. Subsequently, you should plant only proven varieties of root vegetables and refrain from acquiring non-germinating seeds.
• Observing the crop rotation of vegetable crops in your garden, you will significantly reduce the likelihood of plant diseases, create favorable conditions for growth and development, and also protect the soil from depletion. For this purpose, planting carrots with onions, garlic, parsley, dill, cilantro and other greens, as well as beans, peppers, tomatoes and peas are practiced.
• By autumn, plant a garden with siderats: clover, wheat, mustard, rye, and other crops needed to improve soil properties.
• Carrots do not grow well after beets, so you should not use this vegetable in crop rotation.
• In order to protect the carrot seedlings from the carrot fly and the leaflet, seeds should be planted after a period of their life cycle, which occurs after the cherry blossom, during the ovary of its fruits.

• On the perimeter of the carrot beds, it is worthwhile to plant onions in advance, as it and the carrots are mutually beneficial vegetables: carrots scare away the onion fly, and onions - carrot.
• As a marking, it is good to plant lettuce seeds together with carrots.Green lettuce leaves will serve as a lighthouse bar.
• In the early stages of development, root crops should be constantly cared for: loosen the soil in order to organize sufficient plant respiration and prevent the appearance of a soil crust. Thanks to these simple rules, the fruits of carrots grow smooth and have a marketable appearance.
• Weeds have a very bad effect on carrot plantings, taking water and valuable nutrients from the soil. As a result, the vegetables grow pale and tasteless. In addition, weeds contribute to the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria and the appearance of harmful insects. Therefore, we must promptly prevent the occurrence of weeds in the area.
• To reduce the number of weeds, carrot sprouts are abundantly sprinkled with sawdust between the rows.

• For planting carrots, it is best to use a calibrated seed with a high potential of nutrients.
• It should be remembered that the seed soil with a high content of sand is unacceptable for carrots, since the fruits in it grow loose and poorly stored.
• When spring planting experts advise to start planting carrots in the ground, when the air temperature is set at around +18 degrees Celsius. Then friendly shoots will not slow down to appear. Winter plantings should be carried out at a stable temperature of -5 degrees. In this case, the seeds will not germinate prematurely, but will undergo appropriate hardening, which will inform the plant of additional properties of resistance to various diseases.
• For early spring shoots, planting carrots should be covered with polyethylene or other non-woven material, leaving little space for condensate to drain. Carrots do not like excess moisture.
• Some gardeners are advised to adhere to a special sowing calendar. This method is known from ancient times and is dedicated to the lunar cycles of planting various vegetable and other crops. Lunar phases, according to experts, as well as signs of the zodiac in various aspects of the satellite of the earth have a decisive influence on all stages of carrot growth and its yield. And the main place in this is taken by planting seeds, which should be carried out strictly according to the calendar, avoiding the phases of the new moon and the full moon.

So, we found out that planting carrots is a serious and difficult matter. Therefore, you need to properly prepare for this responsible task. Having studied in detail all the methods and recommendations, you can get down to business. Good luck!

On how to plant carrots, see the following video.