Carrot

Early forcing carrots should be sown under cloches or in a cold frame from late February. Early outdoor varieties can be sown from late March to early July successionally and maincrop varieties from April to June. Final spacing should be 2.5cm (1") apart for earlies and 8 - 15cm (3 - 6") for maincrop in rows 15cm (6") apart for earlies and 30cm (1ft) for maincrop. Try to thin the seedlings on a cloudy day to help avoid carrot fly. Carrots are one of the most universally popular vegetables but one which many people have problems with. Deep, fertile and free draining soils are preferred, but fresh manure will cause forking so should be avoided. Carrot Fly is the main enemy. Most methods are designed to foil the carrot fly by blocking the scent which it uses to find the carrot. These include growing carrots between strong smelling plants like onions and garlic or by laying down lawn mowings or cut herbs between the rows. Physical barriers about 60cm (2ft) high or growing under Enviromesh or fibre fleece, are also very effective.