Growing Organic Carrots

Growing organic carrots is a mouth full and sounds hard but it is not.

First of all let's find out what organic means.

Anything grow organically means that it has been grown without the use of anti-biotics, hormones, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, radiation or bio-engineering.

In the market today are organic seeds. Now I am not sure if they grow any different than seeds that are not organic, but they do cost a bit more, sometimes

My question about this whole organic thing is, "How do we know they are really organic?"

CULTURE: Any good garden or field soil will grow carrots. Deep, loose, and fertile sandy loams and peat soils with good moisture-holding capacity grow the straightest and smoothest roots.

PLANTING: Sow from early spring to mid-July, 3/4-1" apart (about 30 seeds/ft.), 1/4- 1/2" deep, in 2" wide rows, 16-24" apart. For a minimum of soil compaction, use raised bed culture with 2 or 3 rows 16-24" apart, beds 5-6' center to center.

Sprinkle the soil surface to keep moist and don't allow soil to crust before the emergence of seedlings occurring in 1-3 weeks depending on temperature and moisture. If necessary thin young seedlings to 3/4-2" apart, depending on root size desired, and keep weed-free by tine weeding and shallow hoeing. During the growing period, hoe soil over any exposed root crowns to prevent greening.

DISEASES: Blights can reduce yield and quality. Alternaria blight shows as brown-black lesions edged with yellow on leaf margins beginning on oldest leaves. Leaflets may shrivel and die. Cercospora blight first appears as small dark spots with yellow margins on the younger leaves and stems. To prevent blights, practice 3-year crop rotation. Copper fungicides can be employed as a preventive measure or control.

INSECT PESTS: Carrot rust fly and wireworms. Provide fertile growing conditions and avoid sod ground if possible. Exclude adult insects with fabric row covers.

HARVEST: Carrots may be dug any time after they reach a good orange color (bright, not pale), at which stage flavor develops. Generally the best harvest period lasts about 3 weeks (longer in cool, fall weather), after which time the roots may crack or the taste and appearance may decline. Make a few sowings at 3 week intervals for a continuous supply of tender carrots at their prime.

STORAGE: When growing organic carrots intended for winter storage plant them about 100 days before expected Fall frost. Dig roots after frost but before the ground freezes, remove tops, and store washed or unwashed in near-freezing (not below), humid conditions.

They also keep well in perforated plastic bags or storage bins in the cold store. Washed roots store as well and avoid the staining that can affect unwashed carrots in storage.

CARROT TYPE: Each variety type is identified. Nantes are medium length and cylindrical. The Shipping/Imperator type has the extra length and durability required in conventional packaged carrots; best in deeply worked soil. Chantenays are top-shaped and suitable for shallow or heavy soil.

So how hard is it to grow organic carrots? You grow them just like you would any carrots only you use organic fertilizers, insecticides and so on to help them grow.

You would need to get with your local nursery to find out what is available in your area to grow your carrots organically.

Go to Growing Carrots to find more information on growing organic carrots.

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