Good soil preparation is the key to growing straight, healthy carrots. Carrots prefer light, loose, fertile, free-draining soil so their roots can push down easily and develop well.

Change where they grow

If you have been growing carrots in the same spot each year, the soil may be tired and lacking the nutrients they need. Planting in the same area repeatedly can also increase the risk of soil-borne pests and diseases building up. Where possible, move carrots to a different part of the garden each season.

If you can't plant your carrots in a different location, then the existing site will need a lot of extra soil preparation before sowing to help ensure a good crop.

Prepare the soil well

• Choose a sunny, well-drained spot and work the soil over deeply before sowing. 
• Remove stones, old roots, hard clumps and any other obstructions, as carrot roots will often grow around them, causing forked or twisted carrots.
• Improve the soil before planting by digging through Daltons Garden Time Compost. 
• If your soil needs a bigger boost, work in Daltons Premium Garden Mix or Daltons Garden Time Vegetable Mix to help improve structure and drainage. 
• Avoid fresh manure or heavy fertiliser, as this can encourage leafy growth or cause roots to fork.

Sow direct and thin early

Carrots are best grown from seed sown directly into the garden, as they do not like being transplanted or having their roots disturbed.

Once seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them out so each carrot has enough room to grow. Overcrowding is one of the main reasons carrots stay small or develop poorly. After germination, you can lightly mound fine soil around the shoulders of the carrots if needed, especially if they start to push above the soil surface.

Keep watering steady

Carrots are relatively easy to care for once established. Keep the soil evenly moist, especially while seed is germinating and young plants are growing. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, then soaking it, as uneven watering can affect root growth.