Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => Grow Your Own => Topic started by: allotmentvegigirl on October 18, 2008, 21:40

Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: allotmentvegigirl on October 18, 2008, 21:40: Hi All

I have jest read November issue of Grow Your Own mag that you can sow carrots now - can anyone recommend a variety?
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on October 18, 2008, 22:06: This is the one recommended by the RHS...

Nantes Frubund (http://www.thompson-morgan.com/seeds1/product/336/1.html)
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on October 18, 2008, 22:13: They look interesting DD. If I sow them in the greenhouse do I then harden them off and transplant? I ask, as I have never had any luck with carrots and find them difficult to grow. They are my most favourite veg though.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: richyrich7 on October 18, 2008, 22:17: Quote from: "DD."
This is the one recommended by the RHS...

Nantes Frubund (http://www.thompson-morgan.com/seeds1/product/336/1.html)

Cheers Dave think I'll give those ago :D
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: allotmentvegigirl on October 18, 2008, 22:18: Thanks DD

That was my next question Ice??
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on October 19, 2008, 08:25: Quote from: "Ice"
They look interesting DD. If I sow them in the greenhouse do I then harden them off and transplant? I ask, as I have never had any luck with carrots and find them difficult to grow. They are my most favourite veg though.

I don't know, to be honest, I tried transplanting carrot thinnings once & they all died! Would probably have more success with modules, but I'm a "straight into the ground" person when it comes to carrots, beetroot, parsnips etc..

Reading the instructions, unless anyone told me to the contrary, I would sow them in a cold frame or greenhouse, direct into the soil, or maybe into deep enough containers & then not disturb them, apart from thinning maybe.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on October 19, 2008, 08:44: Been doing some sums

If you order one packet from T & M, with p & P you'll pay £3.98.

As p & p is the same, no matter how many, if you order 5 packets and split the p & p it will cost £2.39 a packet.

10 packets brings it down to £2.19.

If there's sufficient interest, I'm willing to put in a multiple order & post them out to the participating parties. Even sticking the cost of a stamp on top, you'll save a bit.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: fatbelly on October 19, 2008, 09:34: My carrots this year were decimated by the fly.
Will I have to protect a winter crop against the fly?
Does it live in the winter?
Thanks
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on October 19, 2008, 09:47: Quote from: "fatbelly"
My carrots this year were decimated by the fly.
Will I have to protect a winter crop against the fly?
Does it live in the winter?
Thanks

You won't get carrot fly until May, so it depends on how the crop is going, whether you will have to protect it then.

I think this is uncharted territory for all of us, but over winter you certainly won't need protection.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on October 19, 2008, 10:01: Count me in DD, I'll try anything to get a crop of carrots. I have always put them straight into the ground, but whatever I try they just don't germinate.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: des on October 19, 2008, 12:47: I have tried sowing a few in here last week

(http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc209/desemmerson/DSC02173640x480.jpg)

how long before carrots poke through?

(I'm a learner)
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: BazTheGardener on October 19, 2008, 13:41: Count me in as well DD. Love carrots and plenty of space in greenhouse till spring.

BTG.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on October 19, 2008, 15:47: OK to you Baz, that's three so far, so the cost is going down nicely, I'll wait & see if there are anymore takers, put in the order & PM you arrange things.

Des - what variety are they - are they the ones we're talking about?
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: titch on October 19, 2008, 17:14: count me in too please - would love some more carrots - have some spring planting seeds but would like to use the plot over winter too.

i put mine straight in the ground and they have done ok, just about ready to come out so some more will keep us in carrots over the winter, one of my faves too
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: allotmentvegigirl on October 19, 2008, 17:31: Count me in as well DD!!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on October 19, 2008, 18:02: OK peeps - that's 5 so far, brought the cost, including postage from me to £2.71 each, instead of £3.98. I'll leave it another 24 hours or so & then get them ordered.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: fallen angel on October 19, 2008, 18:03: Go on then DD I will make it 6 :lol:

Nicky xxx
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: gingercharlie on October 19, 2008, 18:08: count me in please if still available,got a greenhouse doing nothing at the moment
how do we pay you though paypalmcheque p/o etc
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on October 19, 2008, 18:13: I'll PM folk when I've ordered, but I think it'll be either cheque, or stamps if you wish.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on October 19, 2008, 18:17: That's down to £2.60 now!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: gobs on October 19, 2008, 18:18: I sow autumn carrots every year, any early variety will do, like early Nantes, Amsterdam forcing types, for example.

As DD says, I do them in a cold frame of fresh compost. Good to oversow a bit, as you can't guarantee temperatures for the next few weeks, so for the very reason and also for having an autumn generation of carrot fly nowadays, I fleece them.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: penance on October 19, 2008, 18:40: County me in please.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on October 19, 2008, 18:57: Quote from: "penance"
County me in please.

Wilco
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: farmersue on October 19, 2008, 19:56: Me too please! I have visions of a lorry load of seed packets turning up at your place! :lol:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on October 19, 2008, 20:01: Looks like it, Sue!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on October 19, 2008, 20:29: Richy is visiting our local nursery tomorrow & he's going to see if they have these in stock, although I think these are a little specialised.

We are now up to 10 including Richy, so the cost including post from me is down to £2.51.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on October 19, 2008, 20:32: Woo hoo, if we get enough people doing this you will owe us money. :roll:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: richyrich7 on October 19, 2008, 20:38: Either that or we can get bulk discount from T&M :lol:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Elcie on October 19, 2008, 21:00: After seeing this thread I had a look in my local Wyevale garden centre and purchased a pack for £1.99 this afternoon. They have now been sown in a deep pot in my greenhouse! Fingers crossed!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Robin Redbreast on October 19, 2008, 21:14: i would like to have some of this action i hate being left out in the cold frame!!!!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: count me in too.... :lol:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on October 19, 2008, 21:27: Quote from: "alandkell"
i would like to have some of this action i hate being left out in the cold frame!!!!!!! :lol: :lol: :lol: count me in too.... :lol:

That's 11!

Quote from: "Elcie"
After seeing this thread I had a look in my local Wyevale garden centre and purchased a pack for £1.99 this afternoon. They have now been sown in a deep pot in my greenhouse! Fingers crossed!

Mmmm - we've got one just down the road, best have a look there first!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: gobs on October 19, 2008, 21:41: Quote from: "Elcie"
After seeing this thread I had a look in my local Wyevale garden centre and purchased a pack for £1.99 this afternoon. They have now been sown in a deep pot in my greenhouse! Fingers crossed!

Well, if anyone cared to read my post you have probably a plenty of suitable seed in your cupboard for free. Seems a waste of time to post really. :lol: :lol:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on October 19, 2008, 21:47: Quote from: "gobs"

Well, if anyone cared to read my post you have probably a plenty of suitable seed in your cupboard for free. Seems a waste of time to post really. :lol: :lol:

We read it, gobs, well I did anyway, but if people want to try a new variety - why try to stop them?
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: gobs on October 19, 2008, 21:49: Quote from: "DD."
Quote from: "gobs"

Well, if anyone cared to read my post you have probably a plenty of suitable seed in your cupboard for free. Seems a waste of time to post really. :lol: :lol:

We read it, gobs, well I did anyway, but if people want to try a new variety - why try to stop them?

Absolutely no reason, would be silly really. 8)
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on October 19, 2008, 21:50: I read it too, but as I have had no success with carrots I would like to try something new. :wink:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: gobs on October 19, 2008, 21:51: Quote from: "Ice"
I read it too, but as I have had no success with carrots I would like to try something new. :wink:

:lol: :lol:

Love that!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on October 19, 2008, 21:57: Quote from: "gobs"
Quote from: "Ice"
I read it too, but as I have had no success with carrots I would like to try something new. :wink:

:lol: :lol:

Love that!
Well a girl needs to have ambition. :wink:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: gobs on October 19, 2008, 22:24: On the serious though, as I decided I'm old enough not to court anybody if not desparate:

1 - try anything 8) but if you don't wanna spend it's nice to know anything already in your cupboard will do all the same

2 - try anything 8) it's unlikely a variety gonna solve your carrot growing problems
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on October 19, 2008, 22:25: Come on gobs - stop putting a dampner on people's enthusiasm!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: gobs on October 19, 2008, 22:31: Quote from: "DD."
Come on gobs - stop putting a dampner on people's enthusiasm!

No way I wanna do that, quite the contrary, want to widen their options. :lol:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on October 19, 2008, 22:32: Quote from: "DD."
Come on gobs - stop putting a dampner on people's enthusiasm!
Yeah Gobs, lighten up a bit. :lol:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: gobs on October 19, 2008, 22:35: Quote from: "Ice"
Quote from: "DD."
Come on gobs - stop putting a dampner on people's enthusiasm!
Yeah Gobs, lighten up a bit. :lol:

I think I'm lightened up, Ice, I have plenty years of growing autumn carrot behind me. Or does that make me old -fashioned? :shock: :lol:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: richyrich7 on October 20, 2008, 09:37: None at Brookside Dave, they stock them but are out of stock .
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on October 20, 2008, 14:01: I've got a dozen packets from our local Wyevale, so it's only going to be the cost of the seed £1.99 + 36p for a 1st class stamp.

I'll PM everyone for details.

There are 11 people wanting them, so have one packet spare. Any takers! First come, first served.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on October 20, 2008, 16:19: PM's sent - any last volunteer please!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: compostqueen on October 20, 2008, 16:30: Just caught up with this thread

I just rifled through my seed tin and found lots of candidates. So, ta for the advice Gobs :D

But lighten up, do :lol: :wink:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on October 20, 2008, 18:39: Had a PM - now all gone, thanks.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on October 21, 2008, 10:36: Thought I'd try and keep track on how these go. I've sown mine in 6 x 12" pots in grow bag compost in the greenhouse.

(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c182/G4IAR/Untitled-1-9.jpg)

Pretty boring so far!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: richyrich7 on October 21, 2008, 10:37: What nothing happened yet :shock: your not losing your touch are you :lol: :lol:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on October 21, 2008, 10:41: Quote from: "richyrich7"
What nothing happened yet :shock: your not losing your touch are you :lol: :lol:

You just wait until tomorrow when they're in a nice warming casserole with dumplings!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: richyrich7 on October 21, 2008, 11:03: Quote from: "DD."
Quote from: "richyrich7"
What nothing happened yet :shock: your not losing your touch are you :lol: :lol:

You just wait until tomorrow when they're in a nice warming casserole with dumplings!

8) I'll bring the family :wink: :lol:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on October 21, 2008, 11:36: Quote from: "richyrich7"

8) I'll bring the family :wink: :lol:

OMG! :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

Better hire a marquee!!!!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: richyrich7 on October 21, 2008, 13:35: :lol:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: richyrich7 on October 22, 2008, 10:20: Morning Dave, just wanted to say Thank you the seeds arrived in the post this morning. :D
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on October 22, 2008, 11:38: Royal Mail achieve their targets again!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: richyrich7 on October 22, 2008, 11:46: Once a years not bad :lol:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: penance on October 22, 2008, 12:43: Mine arrived thismorning as well, many thanks Dave!!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on October 22, 2008, 13:03: You're all welcome, just keep in touch as to how they go.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: penance on October 22, 2008, 13:36: Will do. Wont get them sown until weekend after this tho.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on October 22, 2008, 14:15: Mine just arrived thank you. Do you think if I sowed them a mix of 50% compost and 50% sharp sand they might stand a chance? Goodness knows I've tried and failed in my soil.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on October 22, 2008, 15:02: Quote from: "Ice"
Mine just arrived thank you. Do you think if I sowed them a mix of 50% compost and 50% sharp sand they might stand a chance? Goodness knows I've tried and failed in my soil.

Don't see why not.

I've got fairly light soil down t'plot, but thought I'd try & hurry them up by sowing in grow bag compost in the greenhouse.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: BazTheGardener on October 22, 2008, 16:23: Thanks DD
Just got mine and will get a stamp on way to work tonight and post payment. Fast delivery you will be giving on line retailers a bad name.

I'm going to try some in B&Q compost in tubs in the green house. Cant wait for early carrots in spring.
Seems easier to grow things over winter less pests and weather not that different..(in a greenhouse). :D :lol:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: penance on October 22, 2008, 16:51: Roit, my plans for them carrots:

As im away this weekend in that there smokey city i will start the following weekend.

Over the next week i will order some blue water pipe and clear PVC sheet to make a cloche to cover a complete bed.
I'll give the bed a quick dig over incorperating some composts and small amount of bonemeal.
Take pictures
Sow carrtot seed
Take pictures
Wait.....

Seem like a good plan?
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: gingercharlie on October 22, 2008, 18:11: thanks
recieved today,cheque already on way to you.tomorrow il put them in pots in greenhouse,may also try a few early onoins as well.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: farmersue on October 22, 2008, 18:57: Mine arrived safely today as well, thank you. Cheque is in the post .....
I'll be sowing mine at the weekend. I'm very excited about having fresh carrots in the spring! I need to get out more .......... :oops:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: tam on October 22, 2008, 19:00: Mine too, thank you very much :D
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Robin Redbreast on October 22, 2008, 20:44: thankx mine came today too fast or what? i am at work for the next couple of days and wont have chance to get to a post office but standing order will be sent as soon as i can asap. thanx again cant wait to see of they will do well. :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: allotmentvegigirl on October 22, 2008, 21:40: A BIG tahnk you DD :D :D Mine arrive also this morning!! I will be planting mine out at the weekend. penance where are you getting blue pipe and PVC from? I'm also in Bristol - been looking for blue pipe for ages :cry:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: noshed on October 22, 2008, 21:54: Jewsons or Wickes sell it
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on October 22, 2008, 22:06: Quote from: "noshed"
Jewsons or Wickes sell it
Ditto B&Q and probably Homebase. It often gets thrown away in skips and if you know any builders they might have some excess to requirements.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: penance on October 23, 2008, 08:45: allotmentvegigirl
It seems cheaper to buy online at the moment, tho i need to see what shipping cost is.
Will let you know.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: allotmentvegigirl on October 23, 2008, 13:12: Thanks for that penance :D If postage a lot maybe we could go half??
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: sclarke624 on October 23, 2008, 13:29: I did read somewhere that transplanting is one of the reasons for twisted mis shapen carrots, because of their fine root hairs or something. Don't know if true or not.

Found where I read this
http://www.carrotmuseum.co.uk/qna.html
scroll to bottom question G17
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: penance on October 23, 2008, 13:30: Quote from: "allotmentvegigirl"
Thanks for that penance :D If postage a lot maybe we could go half??

Yep, sounds good. Tho the way work is going i may not get round to it till i return from London.

What area of our lovely city are you in?
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: allotmentvegigirl on October 23, 2008, 13:40: Home and the plot are both in Henbury.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: penance on October 23, 2008, 13:41: Just down the road then, i'm in Filton.

You have a PM.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on October 24, 2008, 14:22: Planted 20 minutes ago - nothing happening yet.
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u190/Dee56_photos/001-4-1.jpg)
B&Q folding baskets £1.98 each, lined with spare plastic and holes drilled in the bottom. Filled with 50/50 compost and sharp sand. If I don't get any carrots now I give up forever.

Hope you received my payment Dave.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: richyrich7 on October 24, 2008, 14:59: Nice going Ice, mine went in today down the lottie sowed the lot 3 x 15' rows, nothings came up by the time I left, perhaps Dave's gave us some duds :lol: :lol:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on October 24, 2008, 15:01: Just been out again to check, I reckon you're right Richie :roll:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: richyrich7 on October 24, 2008, 15:02: Quote from: "Ice"
Just been out again to check, I reckon you're right Richie :roll:

Tsk :roll:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on October 26, 2008, 07:54: Bu**er, rumbled!

I kept the good ones for myself.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: FRUITFULL on October 26, 2008, 08:04: Is sharp sand builders sand as we have some in the garden i could mix with compost?
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on October 26, 2008, 08:13: No! You'll get concrete - well, something similar!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: fallen angel on October 26, 2008, 08:52: I am loving ICE's idea of the fold up baskets if I copy the idea and fill with grow bag mix and leave outside will that work just as well? Or is there a better suggestion for what would work best to grow them in?

Many thanks Nicky xxx
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: FRUITFULL on October 26, 2008, 08:57: thanks DD i would have used the builders sand!! il have to make do with compost only.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on October 26, 2008, 09:00: I can't say whether grow bag compost would work as I havn't tried it. But, I do like the baskets because they fold really small and are not too big and heavy when full to move about. Plus, I can see them working for lots of other veg too.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: fallen angel on October 26, 2008, 09:04: Ice I love the idea as you say when not in use they fold back down which is great. Can I ask how many carrot seeds have you planted in each basket? Just to get an idea of how many baskets I need to buy :lol:

Nicky xxx
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on October 26, 2008, 09:05: Quote from: "Ice"

B&Q folding baskets £1.98 each, lined with spare plastic and holes drilled in the bottom. Filled with 50/50 compost and sharp sand. If I don't get any carrots now I give up forever.

Hope you received my payment Dave.

Nice idea, Ice, yes cheque has arrived - ta.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on October 26, 2008, 09:13: I planted as sparingly as I could, probably 25 to 30 per crate. Very tiny seeds and rubbish eyesight makes it hard to be sure. Don't want to thin out too much as I find it a waste.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on October 26, 2008, 09:42: Quote from: "Ice"
I planted as sparingly as I could, probably 25 to 30 per crate. Very tiny seeds and rubbish eyesight makes it hard to be sure. Don't want to thin out too much as I find it a waste.

Actually Ice, If the average contents on the packet were correct, you should have about 100 per crate, (unless you didn't sow them all!).
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on October 26, 2008, 10:37: I'm not as think as you daft I am Dave. I didn't plant them all. :roll: :lol:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: peapod on October 26, 2008, 10:50: Quote from: "Ice"
Planted 20 minutes ago - nothing happening yet..

LMAO Ice, You're as bad as me!

Paula
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on October 26, 2008, 10:53: Been out again this morning - still nothing. :cry: :wink:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: farmersue on October 26, 2008, 12:39: Me too. Sowed them yesterday and covered them with fleece cos we've got heavy rain and freezing temps forecast for this week, but nothing happening when i checked half an hour ago. Reckon they're duds. :roll:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on October 26, 2008, 13:05: We might have grounds for a class action against DD. Thank goodness for compensation culture.

We're in the money,woo hoo. :lol:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on October 26, 2008, 13:08: I'm on the next plane to Brazil!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on October 26, 2008, 13:10: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: FRUITFULL on October 26, 2008, 16:50: thanks to this site i have some carrot seeds and their the correct ones.Popped to garden center earlier.I would never know i could plant them over winter without reading it on here.
I have something other than onions and garlic to talk too :lol: :lol:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Elcie on November 08, 2008, 15:30: Mine have started to germinate :D

Anyone else with progress to report?
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: FRUITFULL on November 08, 2008, 16:11: Sowed ours today so no action yet over here :D
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: farmersue on November 08, 2008, 17:54: Nothing to report from mine yet, but it has been ridiculously cold and wet here since i sowed them.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on November 08, 2008, 18:25: Can't see any of mine yet, but it's dark!

Just booking my ticket to Brazil!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: richyrich7 on November 08, 2008, 19:08: Quote from: "DD."

Just booking my ticket to Brazil!

Hope you like bully beef :lol:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on November 08, 2008, 19:33: If it's good enough for Ronnie Biggs..........
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on November 09, 2008, 10:30: Ticket to Brazil cancelled!

(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c182/G4IAR/DSCF1294.jpg)
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: birmancats on November 09, 2008, 10:53: Just noticed this thread. I've one of those collapable boxes up stairs so guess what I'll be up to this afternoon with some left over seed. For two years running I've planted about 20 different varieties and got zilch. Fingers crossed.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on November 09, 2008, 12:43: Still nuffink. :(
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on November 09, 2008, 12:56: Did you put them in the greenhouse, Ice? I know your piccie was of them outside.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on November 09, 2008, 12:59: They went straight inside DD. There's still plenty of time for them to germinate and if others have already it might be quite soon. Don't book that ticket to Brazil just yet.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on November 09, 2008, 13:07: I've changed the destination & not telling you where.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on November 09, 2008, 13:09: Aaah, go on, go on, go, on. Tell me. :)
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: tam on November 09, 2008, 13:14: These are mine:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v61/tamdesign/IMG_1186b.jpg)

No seedlings yet but I did spot one I must have dropped on top with a little root so they might be starting :D
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on November 09, 2008, 13:34: I just went out for a thorough look and in the corner of one box is a seedling about a quarter inch long.
(http://img2.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/happy/happy0005.gif) (http://www.mysmiley.net/free-indifferent-smileys.php)

Mind you, it might just be a weed. :roll:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on November 09, 2008, 14:11: Quote from: "Ice"
I just went out for a thorough look and in the corner of one box is a seedling about a quarter inch long.
(http://img2.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/happy/happy0005.gif) (http://www.mysmiley.net/free-indifferent-smileys.php)

Mind you, it might just be a weed. :roll:

No it can't be a weed!!!!!

Tam - where do you have your carrots - looks like they may not get much light where they are?
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: tam on November 09, 2008, 14:30: There in a little 'greenhouse' which is attached on the side wall of the house. I can shift the trays above. I read about people putting silver foil behind indoor seedings to boost the light, do you think that would help?
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on November 09, 2008, 14:50: Quote from: "tam"
There in a little 'greenhouse' which is attached on the side wall of the house. I can shift the trays above. I read about people putting silver foil behind indoor seedings to boost the light, do you think that would help?

As the official site advocate of the foil, (I use aluminium as I can't afford silver :lol: ), yes, especially as one side is a wall.

Move them up & give them as much light as possible or you'll end up with weak & leggy seedlings/
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: tam on November 09, 2008, 15:50: :oops: raided the kitchen draw and found aluminium foil. It started to rain as I finished but if there was actually some sun I'm sure it would be brighter now :lol:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v61/tamdesign/IMG_1188b.jpg)

Thanks :D
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on November 09, 2008, 16:10: That's a bit brighter!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: FRUITFULL on November 10, 2008, 15:53: Nothing showing just............yet :D
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: BazTheGardener on November 10, 2008, 18:27: Yes first signs of little carrot plants.
Will check tomorrow to see if any carrots are forming.
You did say they where quick. :lol: :lol:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Lotty370 on November 10, 2008, 19:13: I have LOADS of carrot seedlings coming through! Yippee! I'm so excited! :lol:

Lotty
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on November 10, 2008, 20:05: Quote from: "Lotty370"
I have LOADS of carrot seedlings coming through! Yippee! I'm so excited! :lol:

Lotty
I'm not listening.
(http://img2.mysmiley.net/imgs/smile/animated/anim_47.gif) (http://www.mysmiley.net)
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: richyrich7 on November 10, 2008, 20:07: I dunno it's been raining more or less every day since I sowed mine, I sowed them at the top so I'm expecting to find them washed down to the bottom by the time I pick any :roll:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on November 14, 2008, 08:59: Loadsa carrots!

(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c182/G4IAR/Untitled-1-10.jpg)
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: tam on November 17, 2008, 15:00: I've got one!

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v61/tamdesign/carrot.jpg)

The soils looking a bit mouldy though :?
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: richyrich7 on November 17, 2008, 15:20: Not a blinki sausage :roll: mind mine are planted out proper like in open ground and with all this rain
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on November 17, 2008, 15:25: Mine were delicious!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: richyrich7 on November 17, 2008, 15:27: Quote from: "DD."
Mine were delicious!

:tongue2: :lol:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on November 17, 2008, 16:01: Yup - those little green leaves didn't go very far though!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Knight Family on November 17, 2008, 16:31: look at that missed it guess its to late now as well!! Darn!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on November 17, 2008, 16:35: Nothing to lose! You'll get nothing if you sow nothing!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: LucasAndRichard on November 17, 2008, 16:58: ...and sometimes, you sow something and still get nothing...
:lol: :lol:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: gingercharlie on November 17, 2008, 18:59: mine are through now,got them in the greenhouse in tubs.looking ok at the moment.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: richyrich7 on November 17, 2008, 20:10: Not listening :lol:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: FRUITFULL on November 17, 2008, 20:17: Still nothing down here :( i have 2 tubs in the greenhouse and a butlers sink outside covered with glass.Very tempted to have a poke now!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on November 17, 2008, 20:29: I now have the grand total of eight little green leaves poking through the soil. Self sufficiency is not just around the corner. :roll:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: FRUITFULL on November 17, 2008, 20:55: I was a few days behind you Ice so hopefully i will have movement later in the week :?
How often do you water them and do you use rain water?
Also how many hours per day average do you talk to the seeds? :D
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on November 17, 2008, 21:25: Quote from: "FRUITFULL"
I was a few days behind you Ice so hopefully i will have movement later in the week :?
How often do you water them and do you use rain water?
Also how many hours per day average do you talk to the seeds? :D
I always use rain water because it's free and better for plants. At the moment I water every few days as the soil always seems damp and I don't want to encourage mould. I never talk to them because they are snooty and answer back in an unseemly fashion which makes me angry. :lol:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: richyrich7 on November 17, 2008, 21:58: Quote from: "Ice"
Quote from: "FRUITFULL"
I was a few days behind you Ice so hopefully i will have movement later in the week :?
How often do you water them and do you use rain water?
Also how many hours per day average do you talk to the seeds? :D
I always use rain water because it's free and better for plants. At the moment I water every few days as the soil always seems damp and I don't want to encourage mould. I never talk to them because they are snooty and answer back in an unseemly fashion which makes me angry. :lol:

It's not better for seeds or seedlings IMHO it can and does carry fungi spores which could cause damping off disease or similar
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: tam on November 17, 2008, 22:07: Mine are 16 days old today and it's the first I saw of them.

I stuck 6 purple carrots in a pot inside a week ago and they all popped up yesterday and are an inch tall today. I guess the temperature makes a bit of a difference :lol:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: LucasAndRichard on November 17, 2008, 22:09: Quote from: "tam"
I stuck 6 purple carrots in a pot inside a week ago

Had this image of you planting proper grown carrots in a pot... :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on November 17, 2008, 22:09: Quote from: "tam"
Mine are 16 days old today and it's the first I saw of them.

I stuck 6 purple carrots in a pot inside a week ago and they all popped up yesterday and are an inch tall today. I guess the temperature makes a bit of a difference :lol:

I hope you're not keeping them inside!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: tam on November 17, 2008, 22:25: Quote from: "LucasAndRichard"
Had this image of you planting proper grown carrots in a pot... :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Well I suppose that might be quicker... goes to raid fridge :lol:

Quote from: "DD."
I hope you're not keeping them inside!

It's really cold outside tho and I can't get small enough woolly hats, I got them a little light :oops:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on November 18, 2008, 07:06: It may well be too warm inside for them, carrots are outdoor plants. Be careful they don't get leggy & drawn.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: FRUITFULL on November 18, 2008, 07:33: Still nothing this morning but i feel break through is iminent :D
Mine are always damp so im going to lay off watering a bit :?
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on November 18, 2008, 07:45: Quote from: "FRUITFULL"
Still nothing this morning but i feel break through is iminent :D
Mine are always damp so im going to lay off watering a bit :?

When did you sow yours? (I could probably find out if I could be bothered to drag through the thread).

I noticed mine after 19 days, but they may have poked through sooner as I didn't check every day. Tam's took 16 days.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: farmersue on November 18, 2008, 20:19: I think i saw one of mine starting to break through the surface when i was there at the weekend. It's too dark to see in the evenings after work now, so i'll have to wait until next weekend before i can double check. I don't want to scare them by going down there and shining a torch in their eyes. :?
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: FRUITFULL on November 19, 2008, 07:47: Planted mine on Sat 8th November at 3pm..........still no show but im only on day 11 :?
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: FRUITFULL on November 19, 2008, 14:59: Day 12......nothing :(
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: tam on November 19, 2008, 15:20: Aww, don't give up on them yet. I thought I'd killed mine but I have half a dozen peeking through today (day 19) :D
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on November 19, 2008, 15:42: About 19 seems to be the going rate.

Remember - a watched pot never boils.

Don't know what that's got to do with it, but it sounds quite profound!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: FRUITFULL on November 19, 2008, 19:48: I have taken my solar lights out of the garden for winter.Would it help if i put them round the tubs so the seeds think its more day light or am i getting cofused with chickens needing light to lay eggs? :?
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: FRUITFULL on November 25, 2008, 22:34: Day 17................................No show.Please can i have permision to dig around under the surface in the morning? :( I need hope) :(
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: richyrich7 on November 25, 2008, 22:37: Quote from: "FRUITFULL"
Day 17................................No show.Please can i have permision to dig around under the surface in the morning? :( I need hope) :(

I think mine have washed away :roll: :lol: no poking yet !!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: FRUITFULL on November 25, 2008, 22:41: OK i will wait for the order to poke :) maybe...just maybe its iminent :roll: Theres a little weed growing so theres hope :wink:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on November 25, 2008, 22:48: My five boxes have lots of shoots showing through. It took ages and I lost faith at times but it looks good for now. :wink:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on November 25, 2008, 23:01: Mine too - do you talk to them Fruitfull?

I find they like posing for photos also, the camera flash must encourage them!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: FRUITFULL on November 26, 2008, 08:08: Yes yes i natter away to them!although its not friendly banter of late. :x i use my swearing vocabulary.
Been up there already this morning to wake them up.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on November 26, 2008, 08:34: This morning's "parade".

(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c182/G4IAR/DSCF1299.jpg)
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: tam on November 26, 2008, 15:39: Wow, your's look so happy! What have you been talking about to them? Mine look more like this:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v61/tamdesign/IMG_1224b.jpg)

My indoor carrots have proper leaves now tho :D

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v61/tamdesign/IMG_1228b.jpg)
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on November 26, 2008, 15:59: Watch they don't get too leggy & drawn, Tam! How warm are they?
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: tam on November 26, 2008, 16:09: I guess it's about 20 oC in here, the light is LED so doesn't get hot. They'd get that sort of temperature outside in summer though wouldn't they?

I don't know what baby carrots should look like though so I can't tell if they are normal or not :oops:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: FRUITFULL on November 26, 2008, 16:16: Not posting a piccy of my boxes of earth as too embarrised :oops: Tommorows another day :D
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on November 26, 2008, 16:17: I'd say they are too warm really and don't get enough light.

Carrots are outside plants and if you think about it, they will not have those temperatures whilst germinating & getting established. Also it's not 20C all day long.

LED's cannot compete with the amount of light from the sun.

I'd try & get them acclimatised to a lower temperature, with a view to getting them hardened off & outside.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: FRUITFULL on November 26, 2008, 16:33: maybe i will bring mine in doors on the kitchen table to see if i can get legs.The boxes are very heavy though :roll:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Elcie on November 26, 2008, 17:36: Quote from: "DD."
This morning's "parade".

(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c182/G4IAR/DSCF1299.jpg)

Mine are similar. In a bucket in the unheated greenhouse. You going to thin them out or leave them?
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on November 26, 2008, 17:39: I'll probably leave them.

They're not that dense & the compost's light, so they'll ease each other to one side.

Got 6 pots of these.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: richyrich7 on November 28, 2008, 22:14: :D I've got 1/2 a doz seedlings up :D :D
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: tam on November 28, 2008, 23:03: Awww, congratulations! :D
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: FRUITFULL on November 30, 2008, 16:24: YES YES YES Im up too YIPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE :D :D :D :D At least 20 little darlings are poking through :D :D :D 21 days but im back in the running..............Grow babies grow :D :D
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on November 30, 2008, 16:31: Yipeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: FRUITFULL on November 30, 2008, 16:55: Yep....YIPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE Ithought they werent going to make it.The joy of watching them grow through the winter.Now i need to chat more with the garlic. :D :D
By the way we have daffodil bulbs sprouting out of the ground about 2in high now,bit early i thought :?
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: FRUITFULL on December 20, 2008, 07:37: Udate on carrots.
Ihave lots of babies about 1/2 cm high.Looking good :D
I moved then to get max light in the day and when the sun shines they get it.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Zippy on December 20, 2008, 14:02: Hi DD. Have you got enough people for your Carrot syndicate? If not I am in if you'll have me.

Can I pay by PAyPAl or do you prefer some other means?

Cheers and Happy Solstice!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on December 20, 2008, 14:11: Sorry Zippy, all was sorted 2 months ago.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Zippy on December 20, 2008, 14:17: No problem. Results seem to be very good so far from the pics. Would it be too early for Nantes under unheated poly mini greenhouse do you think?
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on December 20, 2008, 14:40: Give it a go, mine are in an unheated greenhouse.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: tam on December 20, 2008, 18:16: My carrots don't seem to be doing much, they've looked the same for a few weeks now, no second leaves yet :?
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: peapod on December 20, 2008, 18:21: Quote from: "tam"
My carrots don't seem to be doing much, they've looked the same for a few weeks now, no second leaves yet :?

Same here Tam,but if i DO get carrots in feb/march im happy :D
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on December 20, 2008, 18:23: They're pretty stationary at the moment, but at least they're alive!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on December 20, 2008, 18:25: I have a lot of teeny green shoots, but nothing has happened in a couple of weeks growth wise.

Eyes and fingers crossed for my first decent crop of carrots.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: peapod on December 20, 2008, 18:37: BTW, mine didnt come from DD

They came from Wilkos :D

Paula
Title: CARROTS (NANTES FRUBUND)
Post by: lacewing on December 21, 2008, 06:47: Hi, I am a returning member, I first joined the forum five years ago, when I took on my allotment, and since then, have been reading the posts every week without fail. I am so grateful for all the information, hints and tips I have gained over the years. I also have a copy of John Harrison's book (Vegetable Growing) which is now my bible.

I sowed 'Nantes Frubund' carrots under cloche three weeks ago and so far nothing has come up, I wondered if germation may be slow this time of year :?: I live in the South East.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: paintedlady on December 21, 2008, 09:17: even under a cloche & in the south east, the weather this past month has been biting cold, the sun's strength is pretty poor (shortest day today :wink: ) so the soil won't be warm enough for germination I wouldn't have thought :(
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: FRUITFULL on December 22, 2008, 22:31: Quote from: "DD."
They're pretty stationary at the moment, but at least they're alive!

Dont know about stationary DD mine are parked up :roll: im going to stop talking to them and start swearing soon :wink:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on December 23, 2008, 06:48: Quote from: "paintedlady"
even under a cloche & in the south east, the weather this past month has been biting cold, the sun's strength is pretty poor (shortest day today :wink: ) so the soil won't be warm enough for germination I wouldn't have thought :(

Richy's outdoor ones appeared on Nov. 28th, so there's hope!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: richyrich7 on December 23, 2008, 10:56: Quote from: "DD."
Quote from: "paintedlady"
even under a cloche & in the south east, the weather this past month has been biting cold, the sun's strength is pretty poor (shortest day today :wink: ) so the soil won't be warm enough for germination I wouldn't have thought :(

Richy's outdoor ones appeared on Nov. 28th, so there's hope!

And there still there :shock:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on December 23, 2008, 11:08: Noticed some slug trails in my pots this morning, but the carrots seem unscathed.

I have, however, taken precautionary action!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on December 26, 2008, 09:28: Pleased to report one massive dead slug & real leaves!

Didn't think you'd want a photo of the slug, so here's the leaves!

(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c182/G4IAR/Untitled-1-13.jpg)
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: tam on January 07, 2009, 15:03: Wow, your carrots look like baby carrots!

Mine still only have their first leaves..

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v61/tamdesign/IMG_1243b.jpg)

I'm hoping they're just faking and there are giant carrots underneath
:D
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Zippy on January 07, 2009, 15:36: tam - are these outside under cover or greenhouse?

I have some Nantes I want to try in toilet rolls indoors then hardening off at the garage window before planting out under cloches.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on January 07, 2009, 15:46: Quote from: "tam"
Wow, your carrots look like baby carrots!

Mine still only have their first leaves..

I'm hoping they're just faking and there are giant carrots underneath
:D

Main thing is that they're there & not leggy. They'll be saving themselves for a sprint finish!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: tam on January 07, 2009, 16:02: Zippy - they are in storage boxes in a plastic (acrylic?) greenhouse. They were planted 1st November. I dunno if you could start them inside, I've learnt :oops: they tend to shoot up and get leggy as soon as they germinate inside.
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: FRUITFULL on January 07, 2009, 16:20: Mine look excactly like yours Tam.I have some in a sink outside covered with glass and the others in the greenhouse but they are all the same stage.
The Bradbeans outside are about 5in tall but drooped over at the moment in the cold.Bless them!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: peapod on January 07, 2009, 18:46: Mine are looking like DDs too....now to face the freeze and go and thin them out :shock:

Paula
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on January 07, 2009, 19:31: Not going to thin mine.

They're in light compost and should gently tease each other to one side.

They're no thicker than the ones I grow outside which I never thin either!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: peapod on January 08, 2009, 18:18: Quote from: "DD."
Not going to thin mine.

They're in light compost and should gently tease each other to one side.

They're no thicker than the ones I grow outside which I never thin either!

Ive got two containers full, so Im going to thin one and leave one (I like chunky carrots to mash or slice, not so keen on smaller ones to cook whole) and see which one 'werks for me' :D

Paula
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: tam on January 08, 2009, 19:56: I planted them in a grid an inch apart, I'm guessing I can pull up every other one as a baby carrot when (if) they get big?
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Kagganz on January 14, 2009, 07:11: BUMP !!!!

Hows the carrots going ???????

:D
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on January 14, 2009, 08:07: Well, seeing as you asked! A few minutes ago......

(http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c182/G4IAR/DSCF1333.jpg)

Going slowly in this cold weather........... but still there!
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Kagganz on January 14, 2009, 08:51: Aww :D

Have you peeped at their orange bits yet??

(I would have done) :shock:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on January 14, 2009, 09:38: No point at this stage, I bet they're only about an 1" long.

The cold weather doesn't help. :shock: :lol:
Title: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: tam on January 14, 2009, 16:27: Looking good!

Mine still look exactly the same - seed leaves only :roll:
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: garddwr on April 16, 2009, 21:57: How are all of your carrots doing, I didn't experiment with them as I got my greenhouse at the end of last year and didn't want to put anything in it e.t.c, but I was interested in seeing the outcome. When were you ment to harvest them and were they worth it ?

Thanks
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: richyrich7 on April 16, 2009, 21:59: Well I'll be honest and say not a sausage, zip ziltch but mine where outside and I really should have known better ;) if they come up now it will be a miracle and they will be amongst the onions :lol:
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: peapod on April 16, 2009, 22:01: Mine did sweet nowt,but the ones I sowed the other day are coming along perfick
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Elcie on April 16, 2009, 22:05: Just posted this in another topic, but mine are growing well by the looks of it. They were in the pot in the unheated greenhouse over winter and have been outside for a while, now on the top shelf of the staging here:

(http://i510.photobucket.com/albums/s346/LisaCrane2008/SDC10206-1.jpg)

Thinned a couple a week or two ago and there was nothing showing at the roots other than a little orange line!
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on April 16, 2009, 22:13: I didn't have great germination but I do have some very well advanced carrots. I looked at the roots but didn't see anything that resembled a carrot. I'll post pictures tomorrow.
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: farmersue on April 16, 2009, 22:29: Quote from: richyrich7 on April 16, 2009, 21:59
Well I'll be honest and say not a sausage, zip ziltch but mine where outside and I really should have known better ;) if they come up now it will be a miracle and they will be amongst the onions :lol:

Don't give up on them yet. I sowed mine outside too, and after what must have been the coldest winter for many years - some of them have come up. I sowed 2 rows and i have 5 seedlings, but hey - that's 5 more than none at all!! :wub:
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: tam on April 16, 2009, 22:50: Mine look great. I moved one box out of the greenhouse a few weeks ago to make room for other stuff and they are about 4-5" tall, the ones in the greenhouse are about twice the size.

I had one of my indoor purple ones the other day... just baby carrot size but very purple.

Will take a pic when it's light tomorrow :)
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: garddwr on April 17, 2009, 09:29: So better to sow in the spring then ? I did think this because nothing much grows in the winter. for example : leeks and parsnips e.t.c are just hardy and when you sow winter broad beans or onion they do germinate or sprout but just a little and then in spring they put on all the new growth.
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: BazTheGardener on April 17, 2009, 09:43: I didnt get a single one to come up. Thought they had started last year but turned out to be weeds. :(
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on April 17, 2009, 12:40: The carrots in the foreground are my over winter ones and are about 12 inches high. The ones behind were sown a few weeks ago.

(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u190/Dee56_photos/carrots001.jpg)
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: tam on April 17, 2009, 16:50: Here are mine:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v61/tamdesign/IMG_1433b.jpg)

I moved these out of the greenhouse a few weeks back and they're not as tall:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v61/tamdesign/IMG_1434b.jpg)

And my indoor purple one:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v61/tamdesign/IMG_1410b.jpg)
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Kristen on April 17, 2009, 17:10: I'm interested in planting Carrot "Nantes Frubund" (Fast Crop) - is that what you chaps are talking about? (the thread seemed to start off talking about them last Autumn, but that was 14 pages ago!! so I just wanted to check)

From T&Ms description I was expecting them to crop much earlier than now "exceptionally early and cold resistant. It will give you carrots in your garden in the spring when nobody else has them and when they are fetching high prices in the shops" - or am I being unfair?

Do they taste nice?
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: DD. on April 17, 2009, 17:14: Quote from: Kristen on April 17, 2009, 17:10
I'm interested in planting Carrot "Nantes Frubund" (Fast Crop) - is that what you chaps are talking about?

The very same!
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Kristen on April 17, 2009, 17:21: OK, thanks. I'll just sit in the corner and listen then ...
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on May 19, 2009, 17:10: My carrots are doing really well. Have never had any luck with growing them before, so I'm very pleased.
(http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u190/Dee56_photos/carrots001-1.jpg)
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Yorkie on May 19, 2009, 17:23: They look great Ice! Can almost taste them from here :D
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on May 19, 2009, 17:30: They do taste amazing. Had a few the other day steamed with butter and parsley. :)
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: richyrich7 on May 19, 2009, 20:57: Very nice Ice :D :D
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on May 19, 2009, 21:01: Thank you.

Anyone else got some update pictures of theirs?
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: richyrich7 on May 19, 2009, 21:09: Mine are all brown bread :(
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Elcie on May 19, 2009, 21:32: I still have my bucket full which are growing well. Will get a piccie over the next day or so when it isn't dark!
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Kristen on May 20, 2009, 10:19: Sorry if this is naive, but I thought they would be over by now? (I'm planning to grow this winter to have an "Early Spring Crop" as T&M puts it!!)
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: tam on May 20, 2009, 16:36: Here are mine:

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v61/tamdesign/IMG_1478b.jpg)

I haven't pulled any yet but rooting around they look about little finger size.
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Kristen on May 20, 2009, 17:29: Just to check, are these Nantes Frubund? Its just that it seems disappointingly late to me - even Amsterdam Forcing sown in February would be ready in a week or two, wouldn't they?
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on May 20, 2009, 18:37: Yes they are Nantes Frubund. I'm guessing that it was the very cold winter we had that has held them up a little.
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: tam on May 31, 2009, 17:57: Some of mine sort of look like they are contemplating flowering. The have a stalk with leaves coming off part way up and a bud like thing in the middle?
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Aunt Sally on May 31, 2009, 20:50: You can sow Autmn King outside now.
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: richyrich7 on May 31, 2009, 20:53: Quote from: tam on May 31, 2009, 17:57
Some of mine sort of look like they are contemplating flowering. The have a stalk with leaves coming off part way up and a bud like thing in the middle?

I'd lift them now, sounds like they are going to seed to me.
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: farmersue on May 31, 2009, 22:13: Quote from: tam on May 31, 2009, 17:57
Some of mine sort of look like they are contemplating flowering. The have a stalk with leaves coming off part way up and a bud like thing in the middle?
3 of my 5 surviving carrots did that too. Masses of foliage but disappointing root. All in all not a great success for me - but i blame the weather! They weren't very tasty either. :blink:
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Kristen on May 31, 2009, 22:32: Hmmm ... in summary looks like a mixed bag, unless all the people with great success are not saying much?

I was really looking forward to sowing these this Autumn :(

Is it a "novelty" then, and not worth the trouble? or did some folk have success such that they would do it again? and what was the secret? (if they know!)

Or is there a different variety that would be worthwhile for an early crop (I have cold greenhouse space available for an early crop)
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Ice on May 31, 2009, 22:37: Mine are lovely and delicious and I will do them again. As I said, I think the exceptionally bad winter was to blame for holding them back. They needed very little attention over the winter, so it's worth doing them again as far as I am concerned.
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: Kristen on May 31, 2009, 22:57: I read the comment folk made about the Winter (fair enough), but I kinda assumed that these were in containers, or cold greenhouse. But perhaps that wasn't the case?

If you are having another go then I'll definitely give it a try, thanks!
Title: Re: Carrots to sow now??
Post by: tam on June 02, 2009, 16:53: I'm quite disappointed. Just pulled a few that look like they were gonna flower and there is barely any root at all. Only one was edible.

The purple carrot sown indoors at the same time (and still inside) on the other hand is not a bad size and no sign of flowering.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v61/tamdesign/IMG_1509B.jpg)