[whippersnapper]

This is the first year I've had problems getting the carrot seed to germinate.

The seed was new for this season, from a reputable dealer and now been in the ground for 3 weeks plus.

Is it the hot weather? Too dry? Do I give up and re-sow? 

[Gandan57]

Did you water the drill well before sowing the seeds? You should see some action after this rain.

[whippersnapper]

Did you water the drill well before sowing the seeds? You should see some action after this rain.

No. Learnt my lesson.

Perhaps I'll give'em another week then think about starting again...

[Ice]

Better to start some more off now I would think.

[JayG]

What you don't want to happen with seeds is to start off by providing good germination conditions (which usually means appropriate warmth and water) and then let the delicate newly-emerged shoot shrivel up and die for lack of water (if that happens it's end of story, and it's been very dry in most places up until the last day or so.)

Carrots are not the fastest of germinators but that doesn't mean you can give them a hard time and expect to get away with it; a good initial soaking then keeping them moist but not saturated should ensure they do well.

[Ice]

So plant some more then.

[cooperman]

ALWAYS water the drill first (general good practise whenever sowing seed direct) this is especially relevant with carrot seed.  Keep moist at all times until seed germinates

[Gandan57]

If there was sufficient moisture for the seeds to germinate then it`s unlikely the seedlings would then die through lack of it. The seeds have been sitting there waiting for the moisture to arrive, and I trust you`ve had rain in the last four days.

As you said whippersnapper, give it a good week and I`m sure they will put in an appearance.

[parttimer]

I have had exactly the same problem on the same timescale, we have been lucky and  had a drop of rain last week and suddenly the whole plot seems to be springing to life not just the carrotts.
So hang in there if it hasn't rained yet it will!!

Stu
 

[whippersnapper]

Well I can hardly believe my eyes.

Maybe 5 even 6 weeks later, if not more, they have finally made an appearance. Glad I didn't give up as I was just about to get the hoe out and re-sow.

[Gandan57]

Told you.