How to grow carrot
Keep the seedbed damp for the two to three weeks carrots take to germinate.
Your carrot dates
Companions
ArugulaBush beanChivesGarlicLeekLettuceOnionParsleyPeaPepperPole beanRadishRosemarySageTomato
Keep apart from
Rotation and family
Carrot belongs to the roots & umbellifers (Apiaceae / Amaranthaceae). Light feeders; fresh manure makes carrots fork.
In a four-bed crop rotation it goes in the roots & alliums bed. Avoid growing it where any roots & umbellifers grew in the last three years.
Sow a fresh batch every 21 days for a steady supply. The succession planting calculator lists the dates.
When to plant carrot by zone
| Zone | Sow / plant out | Sow for fall |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Apr 29 – Jun 10 | Jun 24 – Jul 15 |
| 4 | Apr 21 – Jun 2 | Jul 4 – Jul 25 |
| 5 | Apr 9 – May 21 | Jul 16 – Aug 6 |
| 6 | Mar 30 – May 11 | Jul 28 – Aug 18 |
| 7 | Mar 18 – Apr 29 | Aug 7 – Aug 28 |
| 8 | Mar 5 – Apr 16 | Aug 20 – Sep 10 |
| 9 | Feb 1 – Mar 15 | Sep 10 – Oct 1 |
| 10 | Jan 11 – Feb 22 | Sep 25 – Oct 16 |
Based on typical frost dates for each zone; b half-zones run about a week earlier in spring. Zones 11–13 are frost-free in most years.
Carrot questions
When should I plant carrot?
Plant carrot outdoors 3 weeks before your last spring frost. For a fall crop, sow about 12 weeks before your first fall frost.
How far apart should I plant carrot?
About 3 inches apart, or 16 per square foot in a square foot garden.
What grows well with carrot?
Traditional companions include arugula, bush bean, chives, garlic, leek, lettuce, onion, parsley, pea, pepper, pole bean, radish, rosemary, sage, tomato. Keep it away from dill, parsnip.
How long does carrot take to grow?
Typically 60–80 days from sowing to first harvest, depending on variety and weather.