Soil Preparation
Carrots are root vegetables that need the right soil type to produce healthy, juicy roots. It is not necessary to prepare extremely fertile soil for carrot planting in North Texas. The soil should be easily worked and have plenty of organic matter and drainage. Clay, heavy soils will need to be amended by adding ample organic matter and draining the area before planting. Compost or well-rotted manure adds organic matter and nutrients, which helps the carrot roots grow well. It is best that the area to be planted has had the weeds removed prior to preparing the soil.
Variety Selection
Many different varieties of carrots are now available to choose from for planting in North Texas. Varieties have different shapes, sizes, colors, levels of sweetness and resistance to disease. Some carrots are ready to be harvested in as little as 55 days, while others may take as long as 85 days to reach maturity. So it is important to select the variety you want to reach maturity in the best time for your planting schedule.
Timing of Planting
Although early spring is the ideal time to start planting carrots in North Texas. They can be planted in late summer or early fall for a second crop in the same season. Carrots prefer a soil temperature 65 to 75 degrees F, but can still be planted in cooler soil. To give the carrots plenty of time to mature before cold weather hits, they must be planted by mid-August in North Texas.
Seed Spacing and Depth
Carrot seeds can be planted in rows or broadcast, and spaced depending on the variety. Spacing is important to avoid overcrowding and to ensure the plants have the right amount of nutrients for growing. Typically, spacing should be 1 to 2 inches apart for smaller varieties, and 2 to 3 inches apart for larger varieties. Seeds are planted shallow, about 1/4 inch deep. Planting too deep affects germination rate and decreases the chance of mature carrots.
Germination and Tend Bit
Carrots begin to germinate in one to three weeks. Weeds and too shallow soil should be taken into account when caring for carrot plants until the seedlings are established. It is best to weed by hand so the carrot plants can continue to extend their roots deeper in the soil without being disturbed. Mulching also helps in soil temperature regulation and keeping weeds down.
Harvesting
Harvesting time depends on the variety planted and the weather conditions of each season. Check the plants as soon as the carrot greens start to yellow or lose its bright green color. Carrots can increase in sweetness when left in the ground after maturing, but should be harvested before a freeze. Carrots can be stored for long periods when harvested properly.
Frost Protection
In North Texas, carrots need to be covered with plastic or a frost blanket if a frost is forecast. Carrots can be quite frost-tolerant but the leaves can be severely damaged if exposed to frost for long periods. Young carrots can still be harvested with frost damage to the leaves.
Fertilization
Carrots require very little fertilization. Excessive fertilization can cause the carrots to split or become misshapen. It is best to use a light nitrogen fertilizer about six weeks into growth, when carrot leaves become noticeable. Too much nitrogen can burn the roots and cause them to become bitter.
Watering and Mulching
The right amount of water is important for carrots to form healthy and juicy roots. Water carrots 1 inch a week, but be sure excess water is able to drain from clay soils. Mulching around the plants helps keep the soil moist and also helps keep weeds down.
Pests and Diseases
In North Texas, there are a few pests and diseases that can affect carrot plants. Carrot rust fly larvae can feed on the root crop, while flea beetles and nematodes eat the foliage. Diseases such as Alternaria blight, late blight and Fusarium wilt can also affect carrots in North Texas. To prevent pest and disease problems, it is important to rotate crops to different areas each season.
