Every gardener dreams of smooth, juicy root vegetables, but instead often gets crooked and cracked carrots.
It would seem that the soil is prepared, the seeds are selected - what's the catch? It turns out that the secret to an ideal harvest is hidden in details that many do not even think about.
Mistakes in soil selection and preparation
Carrots are not capricious vegetables, but their roots bend if the soil resembles stone. Heavy clay soils, not loosened before planting, force the root crops to "flow around" obstacles, turning into bizarre figures.
The solution is simple: add sand or compost to the bed, break up clods and remove stones. The ideal option is sandy loam soil, where carrots grow evenly, as if on a ruler.
Weeds and dense plantings
If carrots grow too close to their neighbors, they will not have enough space. Thin out the seedlings, leaving 4-5 cm between plants, and do not forget to weed the beds.
Dandelions and wheatgrass are the main competitors that steal food and water.
Improper nutrition: nitrogen and phosphorus
Carrots do not like extremes. Excess nitrogen, which often remains after adding manure, leads to the growth of tops to the detriment of root crops. Plant them in beds where organic matter was added a year ago.
But phosphorus is a double-edged sword: its deficiency slows down development, and its excess causes roots to split. Fertilize carefully: the first time - when the carrots grow to 8 cm, using organic mixtures with a moderate phosphorus content.
Moisture
Sudden changes in humidity are the cause of cracks in root crops. In a dry spring, carrots need to be watered regularly, but without fanaticism. The soil should remain slightly damp, and not turn into a swamp. The germination period is especially critical: if the sprouts do not receive water in time, they will slow down their development, and subsequent abundant watering will provoke cracking.
Selecting a variety
Short-fruited varieties, such as "Paris Carotel" or "Chantenay", are suitable for heavy soils. They are less prone to deformation and tolerate less than ideal conditions better. Long varieties, such as "Nantes", require ideally prepared soil.
The bottom line is simple: straight carrots are not a matter of luck, but of the right soil, timely care, and attention to detail. Try to apply these tips in the new season - and your beds will surprise even experienced summer residents. And if the harvest is still not ideal, do not be upset: crooked carrots are also full of vitamins and are great for winter preparations!
