Peas
Yeah kids, it’s Summer and it’s sweat dripping HOT!
Don’t complain, So Cal offers you the best weather for growing a year-around garden…whoop whoop!
September is when summer slowly tries to transition into fall…. but summer never goes willingly in Southern California. It always kicks us with one last heat wave during Labor Day! I say, perfect bring it on because this is our chance to get those winter seeds started.
So, hydrate, apply a thick coat of sunscreen, grab a hat and get fanny outside and plant some carrots!
Enjoy,
Laura Pasetta
TIP
#1
Temperature & Seed Germination
Carrot seeds germinate the fastest when our soil temperature is between 65 and 85 degrees. Our July - October provides enough heat to help speed up germination. When the outside temperature (during the daytime) is below 65 it can be frustrating to watch-wait & wonder if your newly planted seeds will every rise from the soil!
TIP
#2
Planting Seeds & Soil Prep
Deeply presoak your soil. Carrot seeds are super tiny and should be planted no more than a ¼ inch below the soil surface, otherwise they will not sprout properly! Draw a ¼ inch deep line with your finger in the soil and lightly sprinkle in your seeds, cover your tiny trench with soil, and very gently pat done soil with your hand. I like to plant 3-5 different varieties of carrots 2-3 weeks apart from each planting, this way I’m well stocked for Fall & Winter cooking. Tenting your carrots with a shade cloth during the hot months especially around Labor Day when we always get blasted with high heat and winds, this will help protect the moisture levels and keep birds out.
TIP
#3
After planting, keep your carrot seeds moist 24/7 don’t let them dry out or they will NOT sprout! This is not the time to go on vacation if you want your carrots to grow from seeds. Use a watering head with a light shower attachment will help apply water to the top of your soil without disturbing the newly planted seeds. Prepare to water 2- 3 times a day depending on the weather. Once they have risen their cute little heads from the earth continue to water deeply at least once a day for a few more weeks.
TIP
#4
Thin out your carrots approximately 3-4 week after sprouting using a scissor to cut the tops off and use them in your salads.
TIP
#5
Carrots can get green shoulders if they are exposed to the sun, if you don’t like this, apply soil up over their root tops completely covering their shoulders OR cover them with 1 inch of (no seed) straw mulch.
TIP
#6
Harvest your carrots as needed instead of picking them all at once and don’t forget to use the green carrot tops in your soups, salads and dips they are delicous!