How to Grow Carrots: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners and Gardeners

Pulling a carrot out of the ground is the picturesque image we have when we think about gardening. Long, gorgeous tapers of bright orange roots lifting gently out of the soil are shiny and perfect. Right. Any gardener who’s tried it knows that growing carrots is almost never like that. But! With a little guidance, we can get your experience of growing carrots in your garden as close to picturesque as possible.

Growing carrots is notoriously challenging but it really doesn’t have to be! Whether it’s a situation of rethinking your growing medium, your fertilizer, or even the types of carrots you’re growing, there is an answer for your carrot woes. 

What about Carrots?

Carrots are the delicious root vegetables we’ve known and loved since childhood. Vibrant orange (and other colors) colored veggies are show-stopping when harvested, snacked on raw, or cooked in the kitchen. 

Carrots are in the Apiaceae family. While they are a pretty unique crop, you may not know that you interact with, cook with, and walk by carrots’ cousins everyday! Some other infamous Apiaceae family members include angelica, celery, cilantro, parsley, cumin, dill, fennel, and parsnips. While you may love these plants, beware of the poisonous cousins including poison hemlock, water hemlock, giant hogweed, and more. What an interesting family! 

The original species, what is now a domesticated species, of carrot is Daucus carota and is native to Europe and Southwestern Asia. The orange color comes from beta-carotene, which carrots are very high in, and is an excellent source of vitamin A.

Growing Carrots

Home-grown carrots are sweeter, juicier, and more flavorful than store bought carrots. The sugar in carrots begins to be replaced by fiber the longer carrots are stored. So the faster you eat them after pulling them from the ground, the better they’ll be! Not to mention - there are a ton of varieties you cannot find in any old grocery store. 

Carrots love to grow in a full sun location in loamy, somewhat sandy, and well-draining soil. Very few gardeners have picture-perfect loose garden soil, unless they’re growing in raised beds. However - there are plenty of varieties that perform better in heavy, clay soils - more on that below. 

Overly rich soils or soils amended with hot compost are extremely high in nitrogen. While this is great for some crops, carrots do not want this. Overly hot soils, soils too high in nitrogen, will result in short and stumpy carrots. This is because carrots are a tap root that travels deep into the ground to find the nutrients it needs to grow. If it doesn’t have to travel to find nutrients to grow, it won’t. And will simply grow closer to the surface. Now - that being said - your homegrown stumpy carrots are just as delicious as your delicate, tapered carrots. 

Preparing the Soil for Carrots

Prepare your planting site by loosening the soil to a depth of ten to 12 inches. If you’re really intent on getting stunning market-ready carrots, it would benefit you to truly double dig your beds to ensure there are no rocks or clumps to mess up your roots growing pattern. 

Growing Carrots from Seed

Carrots do not transplant well, which means when growing carrots you will always be starting them from seed. Soaking your carrot seeds in water for up to 24 hours ahead of time can increase germination rates. When preparing for planting. Make a small trench, only ¼ inch deep, and carefully sow your carrot seeds ½ to one inch apart. Cover the seeds gently. Overly heavy/crust developing soils can affect germination rates because the delicate cotyledons cannot push through the crusts. If soil is prone to developing a crust, consider covering your seeds with a thin layer of vermiculite or sand. 

Watering too heavily can also disrupt seed germination and growth. Use a gentle mist to water your carrots seeds and ensure the soil stays consistently moist until germination. Germination can be somewhat slow. They’ll typically come up within one to three weeks so if you don’t immediately see seedlings - don’t panic! They may just be taking their time. Once your carrots germinate, and develop their first true leaves, it is very important to thin them to one to three inches, or the mature spacing distance indicated on the seed packet. Thinning your carrots is essential so that your plants don’t compete for sunlight or nutrients. Further, spacing your carrots out can help them grow those long, stunning tap roots. Carrots that grow too close together will become entwined with each other and will be smaller overall. When thinning, instead of pulling out the plant you’d like to discard, simply snip the plant at soil level. This will stop it from growing while still allowing the other carrots to remain undisturbed. 

When to Grow Carrots

Carrots are a cool season crop. Typically, they can be sown outdoors two to four weeks before your last frost date in spring. Summer temperatures can slow the growth of carrots and cause bitter flavors to develop in the otherwise sweet roots. 

Some parts of the country can also grow carrots in fall but daylight hours have to be long enough for them to mature. However, even if they aren’t long enough - if kept warm through the winter they’ll simply keep growing in the spring! Sow your carrots seeds eight to ten weeks before your first frost date in fall. In warmer climates with mild winters, carrots can be sown throughout the fall and winter for a continuous harvest that time of year. 

Where to Grow Carrots 

Carrots will always grow best in raised beds with lightweight, loamy soil, and aerated soils. This is the location where long, delicate, tapered roots truly shine. However - that doesn’t mean you can’t grow carrots if this isn’t your garden! There are plenty of carrot varieties that perform well even in the most heavy of clay soils. They can also be grown in containers so long as they are deep enough - particularly the shorter varieties. That being said, carrots should always be grown in a location with full sun, as this is sure to develop the largest, sweetest roots. 

Caring for Carrots 

Caring for carrots is not hard, but can make all the difference in your harvest. With just a little proaction, care, and attention, your carrots will thrive. 

Weeding

Weeding is a major part of growing carrots successfully. They do not like to compete for space or nutrients, but simultaneously do not want their roots disturbed. Weeding too aggressively with a hoe of some kind can damage the roots as they’re growing. We recommend hand weeding around your carrots consistently to minimize competition. Alternatively, you can also mulch around your carrots which will help keep weed pressure down while also holding moisture in the soil.  

Watering

Watering gently as your carrot seeds are germinating is essential to not disturbing the small plants. However, once they’re more mature, they are much more resilient to regular watering. That being said, they do need consistent watering - at least one inch of water per week. Leaving your carrots to undergo a dry spell - especially if followed by a lot of rain - can result in cracking, which, while still edible, don’t look as nice and may have a bitter flavor.

Fertilizing

Remember that overly “hot” or nitrogen rich soil can actually cause poor carrot development - however, it can help to fertilize after five to six weeks of growth with a low nitrogen fertilizer (0-10-10 or similar). This will help with root development rather than encourage foliage development. 

Companion Planting with Carrots

Companion planting with carrots is a great way to utilize your garden to its fullest potential. There are a lot of garden friends for carrots that can assist in pest management, flavor, or space optimization. A diverse garden is a healthy garden! 

Cilantro

While it’s typically not recommended to plant crops of the same family next to each other, this is an exception. This fast growing herb will not compete with carrots in terms of height, but the flowers of this crop will attract all kinds of beneficial insects that are predators to carrots’ enemies like aphids, nematodes, and carrot flies. 

Tomatoes 

This classic combination is the poster-child of companion planting. Tomatoes are typically planted in the center of a bed while carrots make a great border planting. Tomatoes’ solanine production repels pests while carrots attract parasitic wasps - the well known predator of the tomato hornworm. It’s said planting these crops together also improves the flavor of carrots. 

Lettuce

Lettuce is great tucked in between carrots because it grows quickly and makes use of otherwise unused space. Radishes or turnips would act similarly in this context. Because carrots are slow growing, using the space around them to grow fast-growing crops can help keep down weed pressure while not becoming a problem for your maturing carrots. 

Bunching Onions

Bunching onions are an easy-to-grow crop that won’t compete with carrots. Alliums are a well-known friend to carrots in the garden and it’s not for no reason. The strong smell of onions can deter pests from many crops and hide the scent of vegetables that rodents love. 

Common Problems with Growing Carrots

While there’s nothing wrong with oddly shaped or fuzzy carrots, it’s not the perfect stunning harvest we typically imagine! And with more serious issues, sometimes we don’t get a harvest at all. Here’s how to tackle some common growing problems for carrots.

Root Deformities 

Root deformities happen for a number of reasons. The most common reason is when your soil isn’t well worked enough before planting. As a tap root is growing down, if it meets a rock or a clod of hard soil along the way, it will simply split and grow around it, or bend in an odd way. It isn’t able to just grow straight through it! This can be avoided by just ensuring that your soil is well worked and loose ahead of planting. Alternatively, deformed roots can sometimes be a result of root-knot nematodes. These are parasitic pests that can live in your soils. Root-knot nematodes can be eliminated by solarizing the affected area or alternatively using nematocidal marigolds to target them!

Hairy Roots

The hairs on carrots, also known as secondary roots, are when your carrots have thin, root offshoots that create a hairy texture on your carrots. This is a very common problem that happens when your soil is too fertile. Avoid getting hairy roots by not applying hot compost to your beds too soon before planting carrots and avoiding fertilizing with a high-nitrogen fertilizer.

Germination Problems

If you’re having trouble germinating your carrots, and there’s no reason why their viability would be past its prime, it is likely one of two things. Either the soil on top of them is too heavy and the delicate cotyledons are unable to push through, or it’s a watering issue. If it’s the former, consider covering your soil with a light layer of sand or vermiculite. These materials are lighter and are less likely to trap your seedlings under the soil. If it’s the latter, be sure to keep your carrot seeds well watered, we recommend twice a day, until germination. Soaking your carrot seeds ahead of planting can also help. 

Stunted Growth

Stunted carrots can also occur for a number of reasons but it is most likely a nutrient issue, a watering inconsistency, or spacing. Soils that are too high in nutrients, particularly nitrogen, create an environment where the carrots do not have to travel very far to get what they need to grow. This means your typically long, gorgeous taproot, will only develop to a couple of inches deep. Ensuring that your soil is appropriately nutrient dense for carrots will help avoid this issue. Inconsistent watering will also cause stunted growth and development. It can also result in cracking! And finally - spacing. This is true for all crops but ensuring that your carrots are planted at their mature planting distance as they’re maturing will help them not compete with each other for moisture, nutrients, and sunlight. 

Pest Management with Carrots

Like all crops, carrots have their own set of pests. However, considering the other challenges of growing carrots - the pests tend to be not too intense. The ones that are present can luckily  be managed pretty easily!  

Carrot Fly

It’s actually the larvae of this fly that damages your carrots. The adult flies lay their eggs on the surface of the soil as your carrots are growing and the larvae dig down and feed on your roots causing ugly markings and rot. Using floating row cover for the duration of your carrots growth can help protect them from the flies laying their eggs in the first place. The crops are found by scent so intercropping with alliums can also help hide your crops and trick the flies as they look for their nesting spot. 

Wire Worm

This beetle larvae has plenty of host plants but finds carrots particularly attractive. Their feeding can stunt roots and cause brown discoloration. Sometimes they leave visible trails or tunnels through the roots. Wire worms are most often found in sites with poor drainage, so improving upon this, or not planting your carrots in these areas - which you shouldn’t be anyway - can help minimize damage. Applying beneficial nematodes to your soil can also help to mitigate populations. 

Root-Knot Nematodes

Root-knot nematodes are a pest to many crops but they have the most devastating effect on root crops. There are beneficial nematodes, noted above, but these are parasitic nematodes. When they burrow into roots, they release a chemical that causes the cells to enlarge which results in galls in the roots. This feeding interferes with proper biological functioning of the plant and can stunt growth. The best control, if infestations are severe, is to solarize the affected area under a tarp. This will kill large numbers of nematodes, unfortunately including the beneficial ones. Planting nematocidal marigolds may be a good solution for less severe infestations. This will preserve the lives of the good nematodes and bacteria in your soil. For fall carrots, they’ll get even tastier if you wait for a light frost or two before harvesting. 

Harvest and Storage

The days to harvest information found on the seed packet will help you know when to harvest your roots, as it can sometimes be hard to tell when they’re mature! Shorter, stumpier varieties will typically mature faster than longer varieties. Roots that are overly mature will have a poor taste and a large core. Depending on your soil quality, carrots may be able to be pulled up with just a firm grip on the base of the foliage. Some other harvests may need the help of a gentle and precise loosening with a digging fork. Don’t get so close that you damage the roots! 

Carrots can be stored for a surprisingly long time - up to two months in the refrigerator! Carrots should be stored in an airtight container, like a gallon ziplock bag. The tops should be cut off the carrot as close to the crown as possible ahead of storing. However - don’t throw them out! They can also be made into a delicious pesto or chimichurri! 

FAQ

Got carrot questions? We’ve got answers. 

What growing zones will carrots grow in? 

Carrots can grow in any USDA growing zone. You just need to make sure that you’re growing them at the right time of year for your zone! Do your research on your growing zone to ensure that you know what to plant and when depending on your climate.

Can I grow carrots in containers? 

Yes! Carrots will do great in containers. Containers are great for them because you can specify the type of soil they’re growing in - ensuring it’s right for this sensitive crop! Just make sure the depth of your container is at least 12 inches and consider growing some shorter varieties that may be less sensitive to the limited growing space. 

How can I overwinter my carrots? 

Carrots can be overwintered for a spring harvest or second year seed production. You’ll need to protect your carrots from frost by covering them with 12 to 18 inches of straw or leaves. You can alternatively cover them with a thick row cover to protect against frost. Carrots actually use sugar as a natural anti-freeze so they get tastier after frost! 

Carrots in the Kitchen

Who doesn’t love a fresh carrot every once in a while? Well - there are plenty of creative ways to use your abundant harvest of carrots in the kitchen as well. 

Roasted Carrots 

Roasted carrots are the perfect side dish to any number of meals. Slather them in olive oil and maple syrup or butter and lemon pepper. What’s not to love? Also delicious steamed and mashed. 

Carrot Cake

Duh! Carrot cake is probably the most delicious kitchen application of garden carrots. And if you think you’ve had good carrot cake - just try it with home grown carrots. Game changer! Pair with a cream cheese frosting, of course. 

Pickled Carrots

You may not know this but carrots make excellent pickles! Use your favorite ferment or quickle recipe for a salty/crunchy and delicious snack. 

Best Varieties of Carrots

There are a ton of carrot varieties out there for you to choose from. These are some of the varieties we consider the best carrots for home gardens. 

Danvers 126

This carrot is widely adaptive, productive, and heat tolerant. The thick, tapered roots are known for growing well even in the heaviest of soils. Produces six to seven inch long crunchy and flavorful roots! 

Parisian 

Simply the cutest! The 19th century French heirloom carrot is packed with flavor. This unusual crop is about the size and shape of a large radish. Their squat roots means they have no problem growing in clay or rocky soil and are perfect for container gardening. 

Scarlet Nantes

The classic, perfect, tap root carrot. They’re known for cylindrical, blunt-tipped roots and a fine grained, nearly coreless texture. It’s a favorite for fresh eating as well as storing, freezing, and canning. A perfect all-around carrot. Seven-inch roots absolutely need loose soil. 

Cosmic Purple

These carrots have deep, orange flesh with gorgeous red and purple skin. They’re a Danvers-type and grow six to seven inches long. They have an earthy, rich and sweet flavor with just a hint of radish-like spice. Truly delectable. 

Tender Sweet 

The name says it all! Tender and sweet eight to ten inch long roots have a long taper and are coreless. They do require loose soil to reach their full potential! 

Shin Kuroda

Stump-rooted carrots are known for their thick and short roots with a still tender and sweet flavor. Deeply orange in color, these roots perform beautifully in heavier soils. This variety also has better heat tolerance than most carrots. 

Ready to get growing? While carrots have a reputation for being finicky, they’re not impossible. And the reward is most certainly worth the proaction and care they require. Start growing carrots in your garden!