[Bernard]

I found out 3 years ago when I grew a few carrots that I had forgotten how they really should taste. Since then I have had small success. I pour seeds into the soil and but for a few , nothing happens.
Is it necessary to water the seeds absolutely every time the soil dries on the surface?

[DD.]

I keep fresh sown carrots well watered until germination, especially with the weather we've had.

After that, they can fend for themselves and let the tap root go downwards in seach if it.

[someoneorother]

Is it necessary to water the seeds absolutely every time the soil dries on the surface?

With my soil, which has lots of clay so it forms a hard crust on the surface if it dries out, yes.

[sunshineband]

I water the drill well and then sprinkle (dry) old compost from grow bags etc over the seeds to avoid the soil setting like concrete...

and then water them until they germinate
au DD 

[ember]

Same as Sunshine though I cover mine with fleece also. This seems to slow down the evaporation, keeps carrot fly out as well. M

[sunshineband]

Fleece goes on as soon as they are up 

[DD.]

Enviromesh for me.

[viettaclark]

Do you think you could have slugs? Even the tiny black ones can decimate rows of just germinated carrots.
I know.....I had 3 seedlings left from 4 rows!!!

[Bernard]

Thanks folks.
It sounds as though dryness has been the problem.
It seems to me that raised beds are not such a useful idea with the dry springs that we have had this year and last. The water drains through and the soil dries to depth. After that, every light shower that damps the surface is dried off quickly by the wind.

No, it isn't slugs, though I do know the problem of the tiny ones. They are the reason why when I try to grow delphiniums they emerge, if they emerge at all, with the tips eaten. I find this to be a problem early in the year. Liquid slug killer is the only answer I have found. Nematodes are no use so early in the year because it is too cold.