September 14th, 2003 Dan
Unlike store bought carrots, these vary greatly in size and shape, and even color (notice the yellow carrot)…also unlike most store carrots, these have a wonderful flavor! This batch was just dug from the first planting - very small, split or broken carrots have been separated for the juicer. I’ll harvest the second planting before the ground freezes.
The carrots are layered with sand in large tubs in the root cellar…even after giving quite a few to friends and family, we’ll have plenty until next summer.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Posted in General | No Comments »
May 14th, 2003 Dan
I had prepared this row about two weeks ago, amending with compost and organic vegetable food (light applications of both). Water was applied in the interim as if crops were growing so the soil amendments would “work” with the soil.
Soil was raked several times in each direction to create a fine seedbed for the tiny carrot seeds.
Grooves (”drills”) are created about six inches apart with a pointed stick. In a raised bed, with adequate fertility, rows can be placed this close. Depth of the drill should be about 1/4″.
I seem to have better control of the tiny seeds when I gently release them between thumb and forefinger. Another method is to tap the seed packet gently to disperse the seeds along the drill. The goal is to drop four seeds per inch, but I seldom get close to this. Thinning the seedlings will be a future chore.
After the seeds are in the drill, soil is carefully returned (I use my fingers) and the seedbed is compacted thoroughly. In a long row like this, I use a 2 x 8 and walk/stomp on it to compact the soil. This is a very important step - the seed must be in good contact with the surrounding soil for successful germination and growth.
The bed (row) is watered thoroughly with a fine mist and then mulched with a seed mulch - peat moss is used here - fine compost would work also. Even with the mulch, daily watering will be required if the weather is warm.
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!
Posted in General | No Comments »
