Danvers 126 Carrots are a classic heirloom variety with 7-8 inch roots that are heavy-shouldered and slightly tapered. Known for their exceptional yield and juicing quality, these carrots are a gardener's go-to for flavor and productivity.
Carrot Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow carrot seeds directly in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in early spring, typically 2-3 weeks before the last frost date. For a fall harvest, sow seeds in mid to late summer, about 10–12 weeks before the first expected frost.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot with loose, well-draining soil. Carrots can tolerate partial shade but grow best with full sun.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches, removing rocks, roots, and other debris to allow straight root development. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility, but avoid fresh manure, which can cause forked roots.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in rows.
- Space seeds 1–2 inches apart and lightly cover with fine soil.
- Space rows 12–18 inches apart for adequate airflow and ease of access.
- Thinning: Thin seedlings to 2–3 inches apart once they are about 2 inches tall. Use the thinned carrots as microgreens or compost them.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist until seeds germinate, which typically takes 10–14 days. Once established, water deeply and consistently to encourage healthy root development.
General Care Tips for Carrots
- Sunlight: Provide full sun for optimal root growth, though carrots can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
- Watering: Water deeply and consistently to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid overwatering, which can cause root cracking. Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.
- Fertilizing: Carrots are light feeders. Incorporate compost into the soil before planting. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they promote leafy growth at the expense of roots.
- Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture. Be careful not to disturb carrot roots when weeding.
- Harvesting: Harvest carrots when they reach their desired size, typically 60–75 days after planting, depending on the variety. Loosen the soil around the roots with a fork before gently pulling them to avoid breakage.
- Succession Planting: Sow carrot seeds every 2–3 weeks throughout the growing season to ensure a continuous harvest.
- Storage: Store harvested carrots in a cool, humid environment, such as a refrigerator or root cellar. Remove the tops before storage to prevent moisture loss.
