Bitter, small or misshapen carrots are most often caused by growing errors. To get smooth and sweet root vegetables, it is important to consider a few simple rules.
One of the main reasons for curvature is heavy clay soil. In dense soil, the roots cannot grow straight and begin to branch. Loose soil is better for carrots. Before sowing, add sand or compost to the garden bed to make the soil lighter and more breathable.
Another common mistake is too dense sowing. If the plants grow close together, the root crops turn out small. Carrots need to be thinned twice. The first time – when the seedlings reach about 5 cm, leaving a distance of about 3 cm. The second, after 3-4 weeks, increasing the gap to 6-7 cm. This way, each plant will have enough nutrition and space.
Fresh manure Not suitable for carrots. It causes active growth of tops, and the root crops themselves remain small and can become deformed. You can only use rotted manure or compost. To improve the taste, a few weeks before harvesting, the bed is fed with wood ash – the potassium it contains makes the carrots sweeter.
It is important and proper storage. You should not wash carrots before storing them – excess moisture accelerates rotting. The tops are cut off completely. Store root vegetables in boxes with dry sand or sawdust at a cool temperature. This way the carrots stay juicy longer and don’t spoil.
Following these simple rules will help you get smooth, sweet and well-stored root vegetables without unnecessary problems.
