Soil: Choose loose, well-drained, rock-free sandy loam or loam with pH 6.0–6.8. Deep tillage and removal of debris help produce straight roots.
Sowing Time: Direct sow as soon as soil can be worked in spring through late summer. For baby carrots, sowing in protected environments (cold frames/tunnels) allows early spring harvest.
Sowing Method: Cover seeds about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) deep, with rows 20–30 cm apart. Keep soil moist until emergence, which takes 7–14 days.
Thinning: Thin seedlings to about 5 cm apart. Baby carrots can be sown more densely, but overcrowding results in smaller roots.
Water & Fertilizer: Carrots have low fertilizer needs. Avoid excess nitrogen, which causes leafy growth and forked roots. Keep soil evenly moist, especially during root expansion.
Harvest: As baby carrots, ready in about 50–70 days when roots reach 6–10 cm. Can be left longer for larger size.