Once carrot seedlings are established, careful crop management becomes the key to achieving high yields. In the second instalment of this two-part series, we cover water management, weed control, timely harvesting, and effective pest and disease prevention.
Growing quality carrots requires careful attention throughout the season, from land preparation to harvest. By applying these recommended production practices, growers can improve root quality, increase marketable yields, and produce a crop that is both profitable and nutritious.
Irrigation
Keep the soil moist after sowing the seeds to ensure good germination. Water carrots regularly throughout the growing season, but avoid overwatering. As a general rule, carrots need about 30 mm of water per week. During warm, dry weather, irrigate carrots every five days.
Weeding
Keeping a carrot plot free of weeds has a significant effect on yield and profitability.
Start off with a weed-free plot and do regular weeding throughout the growing season so the carrots do not have to compete for nutrients and water. Pay particular attention to perennial weeds, which can grow between the roots and reduce carrot quality.
Also read: How to grow top-quality carrots (Part 1): Build the foundation for a successful crop
Harvesting
Carrots are ready for harvest 10 to 12 weeks after the seedlings emerged, depending on the cultivar and the temperature.
In home gardens, harvest carrots when they reach a diameter of about 2 cm, while they are still young and tender.
Moisten the soil before harvesting to make the roots easier to remove. Pull them out by hand, or carefully loosen the soil with a garden fork, starting about 15 cm away from the base of the plants, before lifting them.
Avoid harvesting carrots early in the morning if the soil is very cold, as this may cause the roots to crack horizontally.
Do not leave harvested carrots in direct sunlight. Move them to a cool, shaded area as soon as possible.
Also read: Growing beetroot successfully | Establishing a high-yielding crop
Storage
Most horticultural crops are perishable and can only be stored for a few days. Harvest carrots as needed for household consumption or to sell them. Remove the leaves before storage to extend shelf life.
Fresh, mature carrots can be stored for up to five days at room temperature (20°C), or 7 to 21 days in a refrigerator.
Also read: Cultivating onions | From soil requirements to transplanting
Disease management
Major pests affecting carrots are nematodes, cutworm and carrot fly; and diseases are Alternaria leaf blight, bacterial leaf blight and cottony rot.
Scout for pests regularly, spray with registered chemicals and use cutworm bait. Here are some tips to prevent diseases:
- Practise crop rotation.
- Plant in well-drained soil.
- Irrigate early in the day so that leaves can dry before nightfall.
- Avoid over-irrigation.
- Fertilise crops adequately.
- Control weeds in and around the plot or field.
- Remove and burn diseased plants.
- Remove all plant residues after harvesting.
This information was first published in the Agricultural Research Council’s “Production Guideline for Winter Vegetables”.
Also read:
Growing beetroot successfully | Fertilisation, irrigation and crop protection
Cultivating onions | Fertilisation, harvesting and crop protection
How one young woman is turning Zebediela’s agricultural land into jobs and hope
The agricultural story South Africa isn’t telling: The often overlooked engine of inclusive growth
WATCH | Success starts with your mindset, says farmer born without hands
From backyard gardens to commercial markets: R400 000 irrigation boost grows Lady Frere youth co-op
