I started my first batch of carrots in newspaper modules about a month ago. They germinated well and produced two strong leaves. Since then, no more growth. The seedlings look healthy but seem determined to stay the same size. They have been in a cold greenhouse for the last three weeks. Is it just the temperature that is holding them back?
Martiin.
Stalled Carrots
Moderators: KG Steve, Chantal, Tigger, peter
Hi Martin,
Carrots should really be sown direct and not in any sort of container.
They rely on an unrestricted tap root which ultimately becomes your carrot. These roots grow very fast and I am assuming that because the roots are contained that the well-being of the plant is at risk.
My advice is to sow some seed direct into the ground and scrap those in containers.
JB.
Carrots should really be sown direct and not in any sort of container.
They rely on an unrestricted tap root which ultimately becomes your carrot. These roots grow very fast and I am assuming that because the roots are contained that the well-being of the plant is at risk.
My advice is to sow some seed direct into the ground and scrap those in containers.
JB.
I would love to sow directly into the ground but I have never found a way of stopping the slugs eating them the moment they appear.
For the last two seasons I have grown a good crop of carrots by starting them in newspaper modules and planting them out under bottle tops when they reach a reasonable size.
This is the first year that they have stalled.
Martin.
For the last two seasons I have grown a good crop of carrots by starting them in newspaper modules and planting them out under bottle tops when they reach a reasonable size.
This is the first year that they have stalled.
Martin.
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I sew them in gutters but as they are quite hardy, as soon as they have an inch of growth i slide them into trenches same side as the gutter, they do ok. The problem is with newspaper pots (I have a potting device also) is that the roots will not go through the bottom of the paper. Carrots and pasnips germinate at lower rates so you can sew them from late feb or early march under fleece or a simple cloche, just clear polythene flat on the ground. Once you have sewed the seed aill aid germination, you can put slug pellets down straight away.
Alternatively build a 2ft high raised bed and fill it full of sand and loamy soil. Sew direct under fleece or polythene with some slug pellet, organic ones if you wish, you only need a few pellets every few weeks. This might help. I see some garden centre selling carrots in modules, the professional growers should know better they wont grown on very well at all, as Johnboy said it is the long rap root that is put down very early which is the eventual carrot, impair that and the carrot is doomed!!
CoMpO
Alternatively build a 2ft high raised bed and fill it full of sand and loamy soil. Sew direct under fleece or polythene with some slug pellet, organic ones if you wish, you only need a few pellets every few weeks. This might help. I see some garden centre selling carrots in modules, the professional growers should know better they wont grown on very well at all, as Johnboy said it is the long rap root that is put down very early which is the eventual carrot, impair that and the carrot is doomed!!
CoMpO
If I am not on the plot, I am not happy.........