No carrots - Why??

[DebbyP]

We have had 2 attempts at growing carrots on our plot this year, first set of seeds sowed end April & broadcast about - nothing grew. Second set in rows 8 weeks later (trying 3 different types bought from Gardners World Live in June) all from new packets - and still nothing from any of the packets. Total disaster - any ideas anyone??

[Hazel at the Hill]

I'd guess at slugs.

[lynda66]

are they not getting any leaves at all?

[Two_Sheds]

There've been other threads on this same topic. Have a go with your Search button.

In a nutshell: this happens to lots of us. Try sowing in loo rolls of compost first, then plant outside when some leaves appear. Protect from slugs.

Or, sow outside but cover seeds with multi-purpose compost and NOT soil.

[bubblewrap]

Or sow in compost in square section guttering when carrots show just dig a trench & slid the compost/carrots in to it.
This way you can also thin out before planting.
Suggest you cut the guttering into 12" - 18" lengths compost will slide out easier.

[seasprout]

Hello DebbyP

I had 3 packets of seed fail, i thought it was a bit too cold for germination, but i caught a huge Slug munching on my last remaining seedling, this is my second year with no home grown Carrots.

[Growem]

I tried 2 batches at the allotment, also with no luck. I tried another 2 in the garden at home. Both successful, but the ones planted above ground in the extra recycling box I have avoided carrot fly, so that's the way I'll be doing them next year too.

[vicky]

Slugs, slugs, slugs
I have resorted to (organic) slug pellets...
Otherwise I grow Nothing!

[andyp]

I went carrot crazy earlier this year, see the thread I started the advice
given and my feedback. I now have lots of carrots but the learning curve
was steep and I am grateful to the forum advice I received.

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...azy_18540.html

Rgds Andy

[di]

As well as the possibility of slugs you need to ensure the soil/seeds remain damp whilst germinating(can't imagine that was the problem this year!)Unless it's been wet I always try to give a gentle watering daily until leaves are just past seedling stage.

[Two_Sheds]

As well as the possibility of slugs you need to ensure the soil/seeds remain damp whilst germinating(can't imagine that was the problem this year!)Unless it's been wet I always try to give a gentle watering daily until leaves are just past seedling stage.

I disagree totally, sorry.
Just sow your seeds into a damp drill, and cover with dry soil. They won't need any more watering... the dry soil acts as a mulch, keeping the moisture in the drill.

If you water before the seedlings come up, you're likely to wash your seeds away

[zazen999]

I have found the deepest carrots grow where you just sow them and leave them be. Too much pampering and they don't grow as deep as they don't have to look for water. Even in undug clay on the lottie, I've had good long carrots; we don't water any of our crops there. I usually sow after a rainfall to utilise the water to help germinate.

[di]

I disagree totally, sorry.
Just sow your seeds into a damp drill, and cover with dry soil. They won't need any more watering... the dry soil acts as a mulch, keeping the moisture in the drill.

If you water before the seedlings come up, you're likely to wash your seeds away

It's worked for us this year!After a dismal crop/germination last year we were told we were letting them dry out~this year we have several bumper crops!I don't drench/drown them just ensure they remain moist.

[DebbyP]

Many thanks for everyone's suggestions. I'll have a go with some toilet rolls next time.

[Eyren]

Most of mine on the allotment got munched by slugs - a pity, since the ones they missed are looking really good. Next year I'll try protecting them a bit better!