[Goosegirl]

I sowed some carrots in my greenhouse bediin March just to get an early crop. We're harvesting them now but they aren't smooth like you get in the shops as they have horizontal "wrinkles" all up the root. I also have some coming up outside in my raised bed which I also tried last year. Those weren't that smooth either, but don't know about this year's yet. I use BFB fertilizer. Is it watering? They also had a bitter taste (both indoors and outdoors). Help - my OH is complaining again!!!

[goodegg]

dont feed just water only once a week

[DavidT]

I`d say don`t feed OR water, let the root go down to find water.

[Trillium]

If those areas got any manure in the precious years, that could add to the hairiness of the carrots; manure encourages lots of feeder roots (hairiness).

Here's more info:

http://www.carrotmuseum.co.uk/cultivation2.html

[solway cropper]

Why do you want to grow veg that looks and tastes like the stuff you buy in the shops?

[Salmo]

I do hope Solway Cropper that you are not one of those who believe that rough and imperfect is best. Surely we should all strive for the perfect veg.

My opinion is that none smooth carrots are related to irregular watering.

[Goosegirl]

Trillium - they are not "hairy" but it's the circular indentatons up the root that my OH is asking about. I only fed BFB on sowing, but I do think you are right Salmo about irregular watering.
Solway cropper - you misunderstand. I (and my OH) want them to be sweet like they should be but they need lots of sugar when cooking and I don't know why. I think he could put up with non-smooth carrots but the sweetness issue - which I also should have put in the title of my post - sorry - is also a problem.