[Glen]

So many to choose from what's the best to start with? Can i plant seed straight in to the ground?

[Trillium]

Carrots prefer to go straight into the ground as they really do hate transplanting - a cause for severe forking.

The types depends on your soil. If you've loose loamy soil then the Nantes types are good. If your soil is heavier clay, then the stronger chantenay types are better as their pointier structure is suited for ramming through heavier soil. Soil packets usually tell you which is best  From there, it's taste and trial.

[Glen]

We have chalky soil so what would you suggest?

[Trillium]

Loosen it up with coarse sand and go with the red cored chantenay types. They'll still give you a sweet carrot. The nantes types are fussier though you could always try a few and see how they turn out for you.

[Trillium]

I keep forgetting that UKrs have terribly carrot fly problems so make sure you put fleece over your whole carrot crop, preferably hooped a little so the flies can't touch the carrots to lay eggs or whatever.

[richyrich7]

You could try parmex they are a short dumpy carrot good for clay and heavy soil.

[PAH48]

Hi .. grew parmex last year in large pots ontop of the patio table, much to the annoyance of she who should be obeyed :roll:
They were easy to move when nec' and the two grand sons just loved them, pulled them out, washed them and they were like sweets to the two of them, an' far far beter. Shall be doing the same this year  
Bye PAH

[slow_worm]

I love carrots but never grow them...when is a good time for sowing seed? Is March too early?

[WhippetMaster]

Got some sprouting nicely in pots in mini greenhouse and under a cloche on a raised bed. Despite the frost they appear to be ok!!!

They are early Nantes variety.

[compostqueen]

I added leafmould to my carrot bed plus some grit sand I found at home (nicked off the old man)  

Chantenays are lovely carrots
Parmex types such as Paris Market etc are lovely

I've had success with Flakkee, given to me by the old guys, a stumpy carrot but lovely.  

I sow my carrot seed with spring onion seed mixed in with it as a carrot fly deterrent

[MarkG]

what a great idea. I'll put some spring onion in mine too.

[compostqueen]

Try to some red spring onions too    I did lots of New Holland Blood Red last year and they were very successful

[Glen]

Do the onions work in keeping Mr Carrot fly at bay?

[compostqueen]

well that's the plan.  You can cover the lot with Enviromesh after sowing as well. Belt and braces approach

[Babycat]

sorry for budding in......

I have some early Nantes seeds - is it too early to throw them in?

x Gina