Okra Onion Parsnips Peas Peppers Potatoes Radish Tomatoes Vine Crops Zucchini Click here for a printer friendly version of this page. 24 Carot Gold Carrots Preparing the Soil Carrots need a well-drained, stone free soil that has been deeply worked. If the root meets an obstacle in the early stages of growth, it will branch or simply stop growing. Carrots prefer full sun but will tolerate partial shade, especially if the weather is very warm.
Carrots produce best in a raised bed .
Till the soil to a depth of at least 8 inches, adding plenty of compost or well-rotted manure. Excess nitrogen causes branching and hairy, fibrous roots. Potassium promotes solid, sweet carrots. Wood ashes contain highly soluble potassium, which reaches the plants quickly. As you prepare the bed, work wood ashes into the top 4 inches of soil, where feeder roots thrive.