Planting companions: Broad beans, peas, radishes, tomatoes, sage, rosemary, and especially with shallots, leeks, and other vegetables in the onion family, as their scent repels carrot flies and maggots.
Unfavorable companions: Beets, dill, ...
These carrots are beloved in the garden and are ideal for freezing and canning. Their orange/reddish flesh is crisp and sweet and can measure from 5" to 6" long.
Prepare the soil 3 weeks before the last frost or when the soil temperature reaches 45°F (7°C). For a continuous harvest, you can sow carrots until late July, spacing the plantings 7 to 10 days apart.
"Chantenay" carrots are a bit shorter but still appreciate deep soil to reach their full length. Sow the seeds on top and cover them with 1/4'' of soil. Keep the soil moist but do not let it become hard, as this could compromise seed germination.
When the seedlings reach 2" high, thin them gently to 2-4" apart, depending on the desired carrot size. The farther apart, the larger they will grow! Do not let the soil dry out. When the tops of the carrots start to emerge from the soil, cover them with mulch to preserve their tenderness and control weeds.
Carrots can be harvested at any time since they are always delicious, regardless of root size. Younger ones are more tender, but as the season progresses, they become longer and thicker. Starting to pick carrots when they are large enough to eat allows the remaining carrots to continue growing. If they become challenging to pick, make sure the soil is moist enough.
