When is the best month to plant carrots?
Written by
Benjamin Miller
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.By planting carrots at the right time, you can elevate your harvest from good to great. Knowing when to plant carrots is what makes the difference between sweet and crunchy roots vs tough and woody. Timing is dependent on your climate, soil conditions, and carrot variety. I've learned that through trial and error in my own garden.
Your USDA hardiness zone determines the planting schedule. For northern zones 3-5, use April and May for spring crops. For southern zones 8-9, you can start as early as February. The best way to determine when to start in relation to soil temperature is to measure the soil temperature at a 4-inch depth for three consecutive mornings. The optimal soil temperature for carrot germination is 45-85°F (7-29°C).
Frost dates are your most trusted guides. Plant your spring carrots 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost. For fall crops, you can count back 10-12 weeks from the first frost date. I keep a garden journal with these dates each year. This simple practice saves you from making expensive timing errors.
Soil Preparation
- Texture matters: Create loose stone-free soil 12+ inches deep
- pH balance: Maintain 6.0-6.8 pH for optimal growth
- Nutrient mix: Combine compost sand and loam in proper ratios
Seasonal Adjustments
- Spring planting: Use shallow sowing with frost protection
- Summer care: Avoid planting during heat waves above 85°F
- Fall timing: Plant deeper for insulation against cold snaps
Variety Selection
- Early types: Napoli for cold tolerance
- Main season: Bolero for consistent yields
- Storage kings: Autumn King for winter keeping
Succession planting provides a steady supply of harvests. Continue to add rows of seeds every three weeks from spring until midsummer. Choose among varieties, which can include fast-growing options such as Little Fingers at the beginning. Provide depth of types at some point near the fall. The follow-through of these actions will help your kitchen stay supplied with carrots in their freshest form.
Maintaining soil temperature is imperative. Use an inexpensive soil thermometer and take readings at the same time each morning. Then, you will adjust the depth of your planting based on seasonal temperatures. This practice enabled me to double my harvests after five seasons.
Read the full article: When to Plant Carrots: Expert Growing Guide
