Fertilize once or twice after the plants become established, before blossoms set. All peppers require full sun, a fast-draining soil and regular water. Harvest carrots shortly after a rain or after watering to prevent the tops from breaking off. For the same reason, grasp the top close to the root and gently pull straight up. Although the carrots you see in the store with the tops attached may appear fresher, they aren't necessarily so, and in most cases they're actually less nutritious and flavorful.
Carrots reach perfection only in good-textured soil that's free of stones and clods.
Plant the long varieties only if you can provide this type of soil. Choose shorter varieties if your soil is coarse. Sow the seed thickly in rows 1' apart. Don't allow a crust to form on the soil surface. Prevent crusting by sprinkling frequently.