Carrots in Manchester
Daucus carota subsp. sativus
Carrots do best in a deep, light, stone-free soil with plenty of sun. Sow direct in short batches from late winter into early summer, thin carefully, and keep roots covered to help reduce carrot fly damage.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Carrot
Planting Calendar
Growing Guide for
Change the guide to see different planting timelines and tips.
Use this for the earliest outdoor sowings under fleece or a cloche. It helps you get a jump on the season in a cool UK spring.
Prepare the Bed
12 Jan – 5 AprWork the soil to a fine tilth before 12th January - 5th April and remove every stone you can find. Avoid manured ground, because carrots fork easily in rich, freshly fed soil.
Sow Seeds Directly
12 Jan – 10 Mayevery 2 weeksSow seeds thinly in shallow drills around 12 Jan - 10 May, then cover with of fine soil and water in carefully. Early sowings often do best under fleece or a cloche to warm the ground a little.
Install Pest Protection
12 Jan – 10 MayFit insect-proof mesh over the row straight after sowing, from 12th January. Keep it in place through the growing period so carrot fly cannot reach the crop.
Thin Seedlings
2 Apr – 9 AprThin the seedlings carefully from 2nd April to apart once they are large enough to handle. Water lightly after thinning to settle the soil and reduce the smell that can attract pests.
Lift Roots
21 May – 5 NovBegin lifting usable roots from 21st May and keep picking through 21st May - 5th November. Early sowings may size up faster than expected, so check them regularly rather than leaving them too long.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Carrot.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of Carrot to consider
Amsterdam Forcing 3
A slim early carrot for quick sowings and smaller roots. Good for a light soil and picking young.
Nantes 2
A dependable maincrop type with blunt, sweet roots and good texture. Common in UK gardens and suits most free-draining soils.
Flyaway
Bred to help reduce carrot fly damage in the garden. Useful where pest pressure is a regular problem.
Autumn King 2
A classic long-storing maincrop carrot with good flavour and size. Best when given a deep, stone-free bed.
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