[Knoblauch]

I'm on the lookout for one of those, from what people were writing on the Allotment section of another forum I visit most people's early carrots failed this year, except one chap who did something like this.  You could even build a frame, and stuff rockwool round it to insulate the same way Wickes advise you do with their baths!

[Novice but totally hooked]

You may well be able to find an old bath on your local free cycle web site.  If no one is advertising one just post saying you're looking for one.

[gregmcalister]

This year I dug in a load of compost and plenty of bonemeal into the soil before broadcast sowing a packet of Autumn King 2 seeds in March/April and just leaving them to it with no thinning. I weeded when the seedlings were still small but I'm now pulling out some nice fat carrots with very little damage.  It's good when things are this simple! I tried a later sowing of Parmex but I think the slugs decimated the seedlings and I was left with two out of a whole pack.