[knarf]

I had a mediocre carrot crop this year, but better than last (this was my second year) and I would like information from anyone that has been successful

I tilled 8" deep and monded about 4" loose on top of that

sprinkled carrots all along the "ridge", covered them with weed paper/fabric until they sprouted ... uncovered and let them go

Had about 2 or 300 carrots ... about 50% 3" and shorter, maybe 40% between 3" and 5" and maybe 10% 5" to 6"

I harvest them all and use them in salads and other cooking, but I'd like to see more of the 4"-7" carrots

Next year my plan is to trench a row probably a foot deep, fill with loose (sand .. vermiculite?) soil and see what happens

I live in SW Pa

Thanx

[greeneyes]

I hope someone can advise you. Carrots are not my forte either. The only time I have successfully grown them was in a winter garden.

That patch I made by double digging down to about 20 inches. Then I made a raised bed and put 6 inches of Mels Mix in the top. (That’s equal parts of peat, vermiculite, and compost).

For some reason the spring carrots never take off, but the winter stuff sometimes does ok.

[Tilted Irish Kilt]

knarf:" Next year my plan is to trench a row probably a foot deep, fill with loose (sand .. vermiculite?) soil and see what happens"

Sand and compost (moisture retention fiber) will help.
Too much sand , root corps will dry out
Compost and fiber (leaves,sawdust with nitrogen) will allow for soil compaction and will allow for straighter root production, less mishapen roots .