Carrot farming is one of the most profitable vegetable farming businesses here in the Philippines, especially in the Cordillera Administrative Region. Carrot growing in your garden complements the dose of vitamin A we need. The carrots from the supermarket are good, yes, but nothing compared to those that you can see growing through your efforts, and here we will give you some tips on how to grow carrots in your garden.
Carrot Farming Climate
Carrot prefers temperate climates, although there are many varieties, it is a matter of choosing the one that best suits your conditions.
Temperature: The minimum temperature for the carrot to grow is 10º C or a little less, being the ideal between 15 and 20 ºC.
Below 9 ° C, the leaves can have some problems, but the root, where the fruit grows, is capable of withstanding icy temperatures below zero.
Undoubtedly, the first thing we have to be clear about is that carrot is a root crop that adapts to a wide variety of climates (although it is always recommended in a temperate climate).
In the Philippines, planting can be started around the third week of March (or Spring in temperate countries), in order to have the optimal temperatures that we have mentioned above. The seeds take to germinate between 10 and 15 days (2 weeks on average). There is no carrot farming season in Cordillera however as the climate is suitable all year round.
Best Type of Soil for Carrot Growing
Being a crop that develops in the subsoil we need loam soil plus a good amount of organic matter. As for the pH of the soil, it would be between acid and a little acid. (5.5-7), levels that you can perfectly have with the addition of compost.
You can also take advantage of green (grass) fertilizers but leave the land without cultivating for a minimum of 1 month. In general, also soils retain moisture without generating waterlogging, such as clay and sandy soils.
The compost has to be mature and broken. A newly finished, fresh organic matter causes the roots to rot and the growth of split roots, which is often seen on carrots.
These roots that form around the skin of the carrot, get to negatively affect the organoleptic qualities of the fruit and make it a little appetizing in sight. This condition of maturation of organic matter is important.
One of the most important things when choosing the site for carrot culture is to have a substrate without stepping on it and always loose and fluffy.
For tougher, compacted, or stony soils, it is even advisable not to plant carrots (many will come out with low or deformed fruits) or choose dwarf varieties.
Also, keep in mind that the greater the mechanical resistance finds the fruit when it comes to growing the more lignified (greater hardness) the skin will have, and therefore, it will be a challenge to chew.
Carrot Production and Yield
A small sample size of 10 square meters can produce 15 to 25 kilograms of carrots therefore a one-hectare carrot can produce 15 to 25 tons of carrots. Some farmers who were involved full-time in carrot farming even reported 30 to 35 tons of yield per hectare.
This, extrapolated to a small 10 square meters, would be talking about 60-70 kg of production. A figure at all despicable, right?
The fertilizer needed by the carrots depends on the soil condition.
Carrot Farming: Irrigation
As the plant grows, constant irrigation prevents the earth from drying out (and hardens the skin of the carrot). Above all, you have to be constant with irrigation (frequency not in quantity) during planting and germination, when very small plants come out.
Sowing in carrot cultivation, the most difficult process
We have to find the optimal depth for nascence to be correct (0.5 cm). We make sure that until its nascence, after 10 or 15 days they always have moisture. The planting frame can be 15 x 20 cm if you have little space, and 25 × 30 cm in general conditions.
There is a trick to get a higher germination percentage that consists of soaking the seeds prior to sowing and then arranging them in cotton, paper, or wet cloths until they germinate. Once the process is done, they are sown.
Today, you can enjoy a wide variety of carrot seeds, for all tastes. Not always choosing the orange is the most suitable for everyone.
Carrot Farming Summary
When to Grow Carrots
The season of carrot cultivation covers from March to October, but you can practically extend it all year.
The first beginnings with carrot cultivation can be done at the end of March or early April (at the beginning of spring), where we will sow the seeds, almost to volley (for how small they are), we will make a subsequent replacement once germinate ( 10-15 days), and we will leave a final plantation frame.
Ah, what planting frame is appropriate? It depends on the variety, but is around 10 × 10 cm or 15 × 15 cm, according to needs.
Other Vegetables to Plant with Carrots Having the Same Planting Season
Practically, carrot gets along with almost all plants. It can be grown together with all plant families, be it garlic, leek, chard, tomatoes, peppers, etc.
The carrot is usually harvested 120 days after its planting, which is about 4 months. The dates of the planting calendar are recommended, but we have already said that you can grow it any time of the year.
Conclusion
Carrot farming is a good and profitable business idea if your land is located in temperate regions of the country but if you are living in the Visayas and Mindanao region, don’t lose hope. Carrot farming can also be done anywhere with just the proper timing of the climate.
Growing carrots in your backyard garden is also a good way to save money from buying expensive carrots from the market.
Questions Related to Carrot Farming
How long do carrots take to grow?
Carrots should be ready for harvest about 60-80 days after sowing seeds, depending on the variety. Other varieties can last up to 120 days. The tops of the carrot roots will be about 3/4 to 1 inch in diameter and likely start to pop out of the soil, though not necessarily. They will also be vibrant in color.
How do you grow carrots successfully?
Fertilize the soil with one cup of 10-20-10 for every 10 feet of a row you plant. You can use a rake to mix the soil and fertilizer. Plant your carrots in rows that are one to two feet apart is the best way how to grow carrots. Seeds should be planted about a ½ inch deep and 1 – 2 inches apart.
What is the best month to plant carrots?
Carrot seeds can be sown from early spring right through to late August and can be harvested almost all year round. Most varieties are sown outdoors between March and July.
Are carrots easy to grow?
Carrots are a delicious root vegetable, and they’re easy to grow and care for in a home vegetable garden. Carrot plants tolerate a wide temperature range and require little upkeep, making them ideal for home gardeners to plant in backyard garden plots or raised beds.
Do carrots need a lot of water?
Ensure carrots receive 1 inch of water per week either through rain or watering; do not overwater carrots.
Do carrots need full sun?
They prefer full sun and well-dug, stone-free soil. Beds improved with well-rotted compost are ideal, though very recently manured beds may cause roots to fork. For best results, follow carrots on from a heavy-feeding vegetable such as cabbage. There are many different types of carrot to choose from.
Do carrots need fertilizer?
Like all root crops, carrots require plenty of natural fertilizer rich in potassium. Excessive nitrogen or uneven soil moisture will cause forking and split roots.
How many carrots do you get per plant?
How many carrots does one plant yield? The carrot is the edible root of the plant, so one plant results in one carrot at the end of the growing season.
Do carrots come back every year?
Carrots, however, are biennials; if you leave the roots in the ground, the tops will flower the following year and produce carrot seed for you—although the second-year carrots themselves will have turned bitter.
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