Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil
Till soil to at least 8–12 inches deep and remove rocks and debris
Work in compost and ensure the soil is loose and fine
Plant seeds directly in the garden (carrots don’t transplant well)
Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep
Space seeds about 1 inch apart in rows, or sow thinly and plan to thin later
Water lightly after planting to keep the top layer consistently moist
Keep soil evenly moist until seeds germinate (typically 1–3 weeks)
Thin seedlings to 2–3 inches apart once they’re a few inches tall
Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist (avoid letting it dry out completely)
Weed carefully early while plants are small
Mulch lightly to help maintain moisture and reduce weeds
Fertilize lightly if needed (avoid excess nitrogen)
Harvest when roots reach desired size (often 60–80 days, depending on variety)
Pull gently or loosen soil before harvesting
Store harvested carrots in a cool, humid place (e.g., refrigerator or root cellar)