[andtiggertoo]

I started my first lot off in pots indoors at the end of feb, they came up after about 2-3 weeks I had them outside under mini polytunnel for 3 weeks just planted them out this week.

I started next lot off in pots under polytunnel on 23 march, they germinated a few days ago.  Just the first leaves visible so far, no true leaves.
Lots of things have germinated under polytunnel in last week due to the warm days we've just had. I was thinking of sowing the next lot direct though.

I planted them all about 1/2 " deep, in my own leafmold.

If you have more seed I'd start a new batch off now anyway, if first batch come up after all they probably won't be mature at same time. Can never have too many carrots imo.

[jjherts]

I find that the weeds come through before the carrots and swamp them!  So this year I've collected together all of my old bucket-like containers (the plastic ones that blood,fish & bone fertilizer comes in and chicken pellets etc) and filled with a mixture of 2/3 sand and 1/3 compost.  I've sowed the seed finely on top and just sieved over a bit more sand.  I've got 3 so far with another waiting for sowing in about a month.  I hope it works!  this gives me more room on the allotment for beetroots!

[Yorkie]

JJherts, can I just check that you've put drainage holes in your buckets - otherwise you'll lose the carrots to rot!