Carrot, Baby, 'Amsterdam Forcing'

Germination

Sow from Feb under cloches, cold frame or fleece. Direct sow into well prepared, light well-drained soil that is stone free. Carrots do not like manured soils. Beds are best prepared in the previous autumn. Rake in a general purpose fertilizer 1-2 weeks before sowing. Sow very thinly 10mm deep in drills 20cm apart. Water until germination occurs. Germination takes 10-20 days. When large enough to handle thin to 5cm spacing.

Growing

Water only to keep the soil moist, excessive water encourages leaf, not root growth. Earth up around growing carrots to prevent green crowns. Carrot fly can be a problem, if so cover with fleece or fine netting.

Cultivation

Pull a single carrot first to check size. If soil is dry water before lifting as this will make it easier. Use a fork to lift roots. Damaged roots should be used immediately or discarded. Sound roots can be stored. Cut leaves to 2cm and store in layers of sand, carrots should not touch.