When is the best time to plant carrots in the north?

Carrot planting time in the north

The most suitable temperature for carrot growth is 22-25℃ during the day and 11-15℃ at night. The climate is cool and the temperature difference is large, the carrots are sweeter and of better quality. Therefore, the best time to plant carrots in the north is from early July to late August. The temperature is suitable and the temperature difference between day and night is large, which is conducive to the growth of carrots.

How to grow carrots in the north

1. Soil

Carrots require fertile, loose, well-drained loam or sandy loam to grow. The soil in corn fields is most suitable for growing carrots. Carrots can be planted after corn is harvested, which is also a rational use of land.

2. Land preparation and ridge making

Generally, deep plowing of 20 to 30 cm is carried out in autumn, and the land is leveled and raked. Ridge making is carried out at the beginning of spring. Ridge cultivation can reduce the dilution of fertilizer nutrients by rainwater, facilitate future tillage and weeding, ensure that the land is loose and breathable, and promote the growth of carrots.

3. Planting seeds

After the preliminary soil and ridge work is completed, dig a small trench on the top of the ridge with a depth of 3-5 cm, and then evenly sow the carrot seeds into the trench. After sowing, cover with 3 cm thick soil, and then water until the soil penetrates to ensure that the soil is moist.

4. Thinning and fertilization

During the carrot seedling stage, weak and overcrowded seedlings need to be thinned out on sunny afternoons, leaving healthy seedlings and maintaining appropriate seedling spacing; after the carrot seedlings are thinned and planted, topdressing should be carried out according to the growth of the carrots, and topdressing is generally combined with tillage and weeding.

Key points for growing carrots in the north

1. Carrot seedlings grow relatively slowly, but there is a lot of rain in the summer, and weeds grow fast. They compete for nutrients and affect the growth of seedlings. They need to be weeded in time. Herbicides can be used for large areas, and manual weeding can be done for small areas.

2. Carrots need sufficient light and water to grow. Try to ensure 14 hours of light a day during the carrot seedling stage. Strong photosynthesis can ensure wide leaves and nutrients can be absorbed by the roots and stems. The high temperature in summer increases the root system's ability to absorb nutrients to meet the growth of the plants. Dry soil will hinder root absorption, so regular watering is needed to ensure the soil is moist.