Dig to a depth of at least 12 inches, and remove all traces of rocks and other debris - even a small twig could injure a carrot's growing tip, stunting the root or making it fork.
Carrots grow sweeter and less fibrous in soil that remains moist.
Speed germination, which can take 10 days or more, by soaking seeds in water for 6 hours before you plant them. Begin harvesting carrots when they've turned deep orange. Like all root crops, carrots need lots of potassium. Boost your soil's supply by sprinkling wood ashes over the planting area before you sow the seeds. Carrots do well in containers.