[shokkyy]

This is the first time I've ever managed to grow strong, healthy, perfectly straight carrots, and I did everything you're not supposed to. I sowed them like cress, not deliberately but because I simply don't seem to have much self control when it comes to seeds, but never thinned them out so they were massively overcrowded. I never expected them to do anything so I didn't bother feeding them at all. And I thought they were supposed to be a cool conditions crop, but I sowed them in the bed in my polytunnel and they've been pretty much fried in recent weeks, but as far as I can tell they seem to love it. They're a perfect size and shape, absolutely straight, and they've just pushed themselves apart so being overcrowded hasn't stopped them swelling at all. And not a single mouse has attacked them.

I guess the secret must be to do everything wrong.

[mumofstig]

or just be lucky this once 

[BobE]

Brilliant result.  Try the same type next year.

[JayG]

Can't really comment (never tried to grow cracked carrots although I've sometimes managed to achieve it completely by accident.  )