?Growing Carrots

The thick, fleshy root of the carrot is not only rich in sugar, but contains Vitamin A, which is so vital to human growth and the prevention of eye diseases. This vitamin is derived from the pigment carotene.

Carrots can be grown at most seasons, but it does appear that those planted at the end of the rains in areas of high rainfall will not suffer from leaf blight. With the carrot, the use of organic manures is not desirable as they tend to make the main root produce an abundance of small feeding roots, rendering the main root more fibrous in texture. Fertilizers, on the other hand, are most necessary. After double-digging, apply i lb. of mixed fertilizer per too square feet.

Plant the seed direct into the bed, in 3 drills, each I2 inches from the other in a 4-foot wide bed. The seed should be sown thinly, and as the seed is very small it will be found easier to handle if it is mixed with dry sand.

When the seedlings are about 3 inches high they should be thinned out to 2 inches apart. In high rainfall areas, these thinnings can be replanted in another bed if they are required. Thin the plants again when the roots are beginning to swell, but this time leave 3 to 4 inches between the remaining plants. The thinnings removed this time can be used as young carrots, and very nice they are.

A continuous supply can be made available by successive sowings each month.

When thinning, the soil must be made firm round the remaining roots; these are apt to show above the soil, so when making firm cover them to prevent the tops from turning green. At all times, a heavy mulch between the rows will improve growth. To prevent insect attack, dust the mulch with an insecticide or wood ash.