[logi06]

Having had raised beds for four or so years now, last year I bought a tiller and a load of sand to break the clay down in the hope the ground would improve my carrots and parsnips. They are mis sharpen and twisted. 
I have been reading about nematodes and if it is them how to treat. Has anyone used neem oil? Or can you suggest anything else. I am at a loss and so diappointed.
Thank you
J

[snow white]

Misshapen carrots are usually due to stony ground or manure that is too fresh.  Carrots are best in ground manured for a previous years crop.  Nemotodes are the little good guys that deals with slugs and other pest.

[logi06]

Misshapen carrots are usually due to stony ground or manure that is too fresh.  Carrots are best in ground manured for a previous years crop.  Nemotodes are the little good guys that deals with slugs and other pest.

Hi thank you for your reply, I could try and take more stones out but I gave no manure in there so I can't be that

[Yorkie]

How deep are your raised beds?

And did you sow direct or transplant the plants?

[logi06]

How deep are your raised beds?

And did you sow direct or transplant the plants?

Hi they are 8" deep and they were plants

[snow white]

Carrots and parsnips and beetroot do not not transplant well.  My parsnips and beetroot did not germinate this year because it was such a dry spring,  so I bought some plants.  They have grown beautifully but they both have twisted and stunted roots.  I will water more next year.  I can use the produce, but it is hard to process.  The carrots I grew in my raised bed from seed and have straight roots. Lesson learnt for me.

[Thrutchington]

You want abed a good 18" deep, dug very loosely, to have enough space for a good long taproot to develop for a long straight tuber. What is under the 8" deep beds?

[logi06]

You want abed a good 18" deep, dug very loosely, to have enough space for a good long taproot to develop for a long straight tuber. What is under the 8" deep beds?

There was a membrane but we cut it out

[Yorkie]

I think you have your answer:

- bed probably too shallow (depending on the variety of carrot)
- carrot not sown direct but transplanted as a plant.