The Good Old Carrot
Brrr. It's still cold here, and some areas have had a lot of snow. Fortunately, we are quite low down, so we missed it, but not the freezing wind, and icy rain. Earlier this week, I decided to have a sort through my freezer, and get it organised. I do have a system, but over time everyone moves things around, so it's useful to take some time to rearrange it, and find those items that get shoved to the back. One thing I found was a bag early carrots, they are going on the menu for lunch today (Sunday) I must admit, carrots are one of my favourite vegetables, and my family love them too. Although, when my 15 year old son was about 3 or 4 he was dead set against them, and once even told us that he couldn't eat them because they were poisonous. Over time, he has come to appreciate them as much as the rest of us. If you haven't grown carrots before, this is a good time to prepare the ground for some. Digging over a patch of ground now, will give it chance to break down over the winter into the fine, well draining soil carrots need. Read on for a quick guide to the humble, but versatile carrot . . .
Carrots (daucus carota)
The humble carrot is a surprisingly versatile vegetable, Not only is it a tasty addition to a Sunday lunch, it is delicious when add raw to a salad, and it can even be used to make cakes. The carrot originated in Europe, making it a good vegetable to grow in cooler parts of the world.
How to Grow: Seed is sown from spring to late summer, in a warm sunny situation. Before sowing, ensure your soil is fine and stone free, any obstructions will result in forked or mis-shapen carrots. If you want to grow your carrots in containers, either use very deep pots, or try a dwarf variety of carrot. Sow your seed in rows about 6 inches apart.
Once your seedlings have reached the two leaf stage, thin them out, to about one plant every 4 inches, choosing the healthiest looking seedlings. Avoid over-watering because this can cause the roots (ie your crop) to swell and crack.
One of the biggest problems you may face is the dreaded carrot root fly. This can be deterred through companion planting. Because these flys find the carrots by scent, grow your carrots next to onions, chives, leeks or garlic, and you should find that the strong aromas keep the carrot fly at bay. Also, avoid thinning your seedlings on warm, windy days, to prevent the smell of the carrots being broadcast over a large area.
Harvesting: You can harvest your carrots approximately 12 to 16 weeks after sowing depending on whether you want sweet baby carrots or larger mature ones. Successive sowings will mean you can have a mixture of both for a prolonged period. Harvest by digging up with a garden fork, insert the prongs away from the actual plant, so that you are lifting it out of the ground, not digging into it.
Freezing: Carrots freeze well, and will keep for up to six months. Simply wash well, and slice. Blanch in boiling water for a few minutes, then plunge into cold. Dry off and place in freezer bags.
Propagation: Carrots will produce seeds which can be stored and used the following year. You must use the seed within one year because it won’t keep any longer than that. To collect carrots seed, wait until it has turned brown, then snip of the flower head, and place into a paper bag. It is best to use a bag because the seed is very fine. Hang the bag somewhere warm and dry for a few days, and the seed will drop away from the flower. Store your seed in a envelope inside an airtight container some cool and dry.
One Last Tip: Jazz up plain old boiled carrots with a sprinkling of fresh thyme and a knob of butter. If you are watching your fat intake, substitute olive oil for butter.