I'm growing carrots for the first time, when is best to harvest them?

Question

I'm growing carrots for the first time, when is best to harvest them?

Answer 1

I've noticed that carrot seeds are really small, and therefore, when you plant them they start growing pretty darn close together, you will be harvesting them over time.  I guess my answer is, as the carrots grow, you will want to keep them from growing up against one another.  Always pull the smaller of the two carrots, and as stated, be sure to cover the hole.  The larger carrot will easily grow into this space.  As the carrots continue to get larger, keep thinning them this way, always pulling the smaller of the two.  You will be eating carrots for a good long time this way.  When the largest ones start to get woody, I pull them all out and throw them in the compost.

Answer 2

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/seed_swap_...

Answer 3

If your cultivation has been undertaken carrots are normally ready for harvest 70 days from sowing

Most carrots can be harvested in less than three months. they can be picked anytime they reach a usable size. The largest carrots will have the darkest, greenest tops, but don't leave the roots in the ground too long or they will be tough. Most are at their prime when about 2.5cm in diameter at the crown.

Do not be fooled by the tops which can be quite bushy but in fact the carrots themselves are quite small. When harvesting, drench the bed with water first, making the carrots easier to pull.

When you find a carrot large enough, grasp the greens at the crown and tug gently with a twisting motion. If the greens snap off, carefully lift the roots with a small fork. Use damaged roots right away and store unblemished ones.

Lifted carrot should not be left on the ground surface for too long as they will attract the attention of carrot fly. Cut the leaves off as soon as they are out of the ground; as long as they are attached they continue to keep growing and draw moisture and nourishment from the roots.

Answer 4

when the leafs are eight inched tall and the width of the top of the carrot is 3/4 inches

Answer 5

When you thin them out you can eat the thinnings, remember to push the soil up around the carrots that are left, it helps to keep away carrot fly. Then harvest them as soon as they are big enough, as you want to eat them. Good luck.

Answer 6

You're best way to tell is to keep pulling them up...carrots are more tender when young and small...however if large carrots are your goal, make sure the soil they are planted in is very airy and loose, make sure to dig down deep and turn soil over very well before planting, mix in sand and peat moss.  The root will then have no problem expanding.

Answer 7

when you can see the top of the carrot poking out thro the soil and its a good size.