Carrots come in a variety of colors and the darker varieties have even more biflavenoids than the orange, plus the kiddos think it is so cool to be eating a purple carrot. Carrots and I don't get a long very well in the garden though so I am hoping this year will be different with my new raised rows. There are many varieties to choose from and Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds is where I like to purchase my seeds, this year we planted the Cosmic Purple and Danvers variety.
Seed Starting and Propagation
Must be directly sown into garden soil when ground has warmed (last week March) 16 per square foot. Sow seeds in full sun and cover with a light layer of compost. Water gently, carrots can take up to three weeks to germinate so be patient.
Care
Keep the soil uniformly moist until the carrots have germinated, this may require more than one misting a day, do not over water though. When plants are 2-3 inches tall, water twice weekly, keeping soil moist.
Companion Planting
Leaf lettuce, tomatoes, peas, onions, leeks, rosemary, wormwood and sage. Don’t plant in the same spot as family members (celery, fennel, parsley, cilantro and dill).
Harvesting and Preserving
When ¾ inch in diameter they are ready to harvest. Pinch the tip pull right, left and then up. Eat fresh, bottle, pickle, ferment, dehydrate, powder, etc.
Recipes
Carrot Puree and Powder
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Carrot Infused OIl
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Bone Broth
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Nutrients and Healing Properties
Antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, dietary fiber, carotenes, vitamin A, phosphorus, copper, calcium, manganese, potassium, folic acid, vitamin B-6, thiamin and vitamin C. Nourishing for the skin and hair.
Resources
