You can save a lot of bending by using special hoes for weeding. Many have a strong, narrow blade with a curved gooseneck for pulling weeds without damaging stems of roots or vegetables. For an ongoing carrot crop make staggered plantings of several different types. Sow from spring to early summer for late summer to fall harvesting. The best time to thin root crops is a few hours after a rain or thorough watering when the soil is still damp but plants are completely dry.
Damp soil permits seedlings to be pulled without disturbing roots of other plants.
Weeds may be easily uprooted this way, too. Shallow watering promotes shallow root growth which you do not want in the veggie patch. Besides its good looks, flavour, and benefits to garden ecology, kale is good food. You can't get more vitamin C from any other leafy green. And don't forget the benefits of fibre.