Carrot

When to plant/sow in zone:

Requirements: Good drainage, sunny position

Soil: Deep, loose soil with debris removed.

How to start: SEED: Best sown direct in the ground, 4mm deep, 5cm apart in rows 25cm apart. Gently firm soil down and keep moist. Cover with hessian or timber paling to hold moisture. Germinates in 10-20 days. Check under hessian or timber from 10 days and remove when they begin germinating. NOTE: Carrot seeds are small - they can be mixed with sand or seed-raising mix prior to planting. Sow in shallow drills and thin as required after they've germinated. NOTE: Small carrots can be sown and grown in the same pot.

How to grow: Keep moist to ensure sweet, succulent roots. Don't fertilise. If soil is poor, apply fertiliser that is low in nitrogen and high in phosphorous. Keep the area weed free.

When to harvest: Start harvesting from 10 weeks, from 1cm wide (baby) to 2.5cm wide (mature). Use a garden fork to loosen surrounding soil if needed.

Troubleshooting: Carrot fly; white fly; bolting; forked roots