A vegetable loved by many is easy to plant in the garden on your own. Planting carrots in the spring is carried out according to certain rules. You can use the classic or alternative method of planting seeds in open ground. Experienced gardeners love to experiment and plant multiple beds of carrots in different ways. It is equally important to choose the right strain for spring planting. Such varieties are well stored throughout the winter and do not lose their taste.
Why spring is the best time to plant
Experienced gardeners prefer to sow carrots in open ground in the spring, since at this time the land does not require additional processing. In the spring months, the soil wakes up after the winter rest, it is saturated with moisture and has a rich mineral composition. In the spring, it is enough to simply plant seeds and harvest the first harvest of carrots by the middle of summer.
In autumn, the soil gets tired from the summer season and requires additional measures before planting. The land needs to be loosened and fertilized, and the beds must be prepared in advance (in warm weather).
When to plant in open ground in 2019: general recommendations and the lunar calendar
Seeds are planted in open ground only after the threat of sudden frosts has passed. On average, planting occurs in April, around the 20th.
Planting table for carrots in different regions:
| Region name | Timing |
| Southern regions of Russia | End of March - beginning of April (reference point - completely melted snow) |
| Middle lane | End of April - beginning of May |
| Ural and Siberia | May |
| Northwest region | May |
In the south, early and late varieties can be planted, while in the northern regions it is better to take early carrots in order to have time to harvest before the cold weather.
Experienced gardeners are guided by the recommendations of the lunar calendar before planting. It indicates favorable sowing dates that promise a good harvest.
Lunar calendar for 2019:
- March - 10-12, 15-17, 23-25, 27-30;
- April - 2-9, 11-15, 24-27, 29, 30;
- May - 1–4, 12–14, 21–23.
The best spring varieties (with photo of fruits)
Before planting, it is important to decide on the variety. Each species has its own characteristics and taste.
Carrot Incomparable
The variety is distinguished by good germination. The root vegetable tastes sweet and juicy, rich in carotene. Carrots can be stored all winter and will not lose their taste.
Nantes 4
The fruit has a blunt tip and a sweet taste. Carrots are very juicy and suitable for planting in dense soil.
Losinoostrovskaya 17
This variety has a delicate flavor and rich orange color. Carrots are well suited for baby and dietetic food, as they are quickly absorbed by the body.
Shantane 2461
Shantane 2461 fruits are large and juicy, well suited for winter storage. They can be eaten raw or cooked.
Artek
It is an early variety with good germination. The first fruits appear 1.5 months after planting. Carrots have a sweet juicy taste.
Sowing preparation
Before sowing, you need to carry out preparatory work, as this will ensure a good harvest. Carrots love loose and nutritious soil. Before planting, the soil must be loosened well and humus and ash must be added.
Manure cannot be used as fertilizer, as the fruit will grow clumsy and taste bad. The smell of manure attracts pests.
Before planting, the seeds must be soaked in water and wait for them to swell.After they swell enough, you need to get the seeds out of the water and put them on a paper napkin, then plant them in open ground.
Step by step instructions for sowing seeds
The classic method of planting seeds is very simple. If you plant carrots at an optimal distance from each other, then no difficulties will arise.
Step-by-step instruction:
- Form grooves up to 3 cm deep.
- Pour hot water over each.
- Pour some ash into each groove.
- Put the seeds in the grooves and sprinkle with earth.
- Cover the beds with foil until the first shoots appear.
Seeding options and their performance
There are several options for planting carrots that will yield the best yields.
Landing in tape
Step-by-step instruction:
- Make grooves and pour water over them.
- Prepare toilet paper tape.
- Make a paste of starch (dilute the starch in warm water to a sticky consistency).
- Coat the paper with paste.
- Spread the seeds at a distance of 3-5 cm from each other.
- Place the ribbons in the grooves and sprinkle with earth.
The method is suitable for beginner gardeners. At the same time, the yield is good, since the seeds are located at the right distance and do not interfere with each other's growth.
Galina Kizima's method
This planting option is suitable for those who do not want to spend a lot of energy, as well as for the elderly. The bottom line is that you do not need to make grooves and loosen the ground.
Step-by-step instruction:
- In a bucket of dry sand, stir 3 tbsp. l. seeds.
- Arrange a carrot bed without grooves.
- Sow sand with seeds.
- Drizzle with a little water and sprinkle with earth.
Experienced farmers note the high efficiency of the method with low expenditure of effort and energy.
Carrot care after sowing
Proper care of carrots is the key to a rich and high-quality harvest.
Watering rate:
- Immediately after planting, the water consumption should be about 3 liters per 1 m².
- 10 liters per 1 m² is the watering rate after the second thinning.
- 20 liters per 1 m² - water consumption at the stage of root crops development and abundant foliage formation.
- 10 liters per 1 m² - this regime with a 2-week break will be quite enough in the last 2 months before harvesting.
- Lack of watering - 2-3 weeks before harvest.
With the classical planting method, it is necessary to thin the seedlings on the 12th and 22nd days after their emergence. At the same time, weeding and loosening are carried out.
To protect carrots from pests, it is necessary to treat the beds with tobacco dust, hot pepper. Substances are sprinkled on the beds after planting.
Planting carrots outdoors is a simple and fun process that will help you achieve good results. The main thing is to follow all the rules of sowing and further care in order to enjoy tasty fruits in two months.
