Carrot in May: monthly care

Carrots thrive in full sun or partial shade and perform best in deep, sandy or loamy soil that is free from stones and compacted clumps. Heavy clay soils can cause roots to fork or become stunted, so if your soil is heavy, consider growing shorter varieties or improving drainage by working in plenty of sharp sand and well-rotted compost several weeks before sowing. Avoid using fresh manure, which encourages leafy growth at the expense of roots and can lead to forking. Sow carrot seed directly into the ground from March through to July; they do not transplant well. Prepare a fine, crumbly seedbed by raking the surface smooth and removing any debris. Create shallow drills about 1–2 cm deep and 15–20 cm apart. Sow seeds thinly along the drill—aim for one seed every centimetre if possible—then cover lightly with soil and firm gently. Water the drills carefully to avoid washing seeds away. Germination takes two to three weeks, and once seedlings have developed their first true leaves, thin them to a final spacing of about 5 cm apart. This spacing allows roots to develop without crowding. Thinning is essential; overcrowded carrots produce small, twisted roots. Thin in the evening and remove thinnings from the site promptly, as their scent can attract carrot fly. Water the row before and after thinning to settle soil around remaining seedlings and minimise root disturbance. Successive sowings every three to four weeks from March to July will give you a continuous harvest from early summer into late autumn.