When should you plant carrots?

Carrots can be planted up to three to five weeks before the final date of frost during the spring. April 15 is a good early date for starting carrots, though they can be planted later in the year for a fall harvest.

Root vegetables grow best in sandy soil that has been deeply tilled, as rocky soil can cause carrots to fork or create smaller side roots. Loose, well-drained soil that also retains moisture is best for carrots to grow to desired lengths. Planting seeds several weeks apart can provide a continuous harvest throughout the year. Leaving carrots in the ground during a frost can improve the flavor, and mature carrots can be left in the soil up until the first hard freeze.