Carrot Vegetable Seeds Packet

1. Culinary Uses:

• Eaten raw in salads, juiced, steamed, roasted, or cooked in soups and stews.
• Used to make carrot cake, smoothies, and baby food.

2. Nutritional Benefits:

• High in vitamin A (from beta-carotene), vitamin K, fiber, and antioxidants.
• Supports eye health, digestion, and immune function.

3. Companion Planting:

• Grows well with onions, lettuce, tomatoes, and radishes.
• Helps repel pests like carrot flies when planted with strong-scented herbs.

Light:

• Requires full sun (6+ hours of direct sunlight daily) but can tolerate light shade.

Soil:

• Prefers loose, well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.
• Avoid heavy clay soils, which can cause forked or misshapen roots.

Watering:

• Needs consistent moisture, about 1 inch of water per week.
• Avoid waterlogging, as this can cause root rot.

Temperature & Climate:

• Best growing temperatures: 50-75°F (10-24°C).
• Can tolerate light frost, which can enhance their sweetness.

Fertilization:

• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which encourage leafy growth instead of root development.
• Use a balanced organic fertilizer or compost before planting.

Watering:

• Provide consistent moisture to prevent cracking or tough roots.
• Use mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.

Harvesting and Seed Collection

1. When to Harvest:
   Carrots are ready 60-80 days after planting.
   Harvest when roots are firm and reach full size (typically 1/2-1 inch in diameter).
   Pull gently to avoid breaking the roots.
2. Storing Carrots:
   Store in co ol, humid conditions (such as a root cellar) for long-term storage.
   Can be refrigerated in sealed plastic bags for freshness.
3. Saving Seeds:
   Allow plants to flower and set seed in their second year.
   Collect dried seed heads, store in a cool, dry place, and plant the following season.

• Common Pests: Carrot flies, aphids, nematodes.
  Use floating row covers to deter carrot flies.
  Companion plant with onions or garlic to repel pests.
• Common Diseases: Powdery mildew, root rot.
  Ensure proper spacing and avoid overwatering.