Hee Hee hee

[raine]

Hee hee hee, I've just discovered that one of my lovely sons has bought me a beautiful raised bed for my december birthday (I was off sick and it was delivered but don't worry -i got OH to tell said son that he took receipt of it)
I'm already (secretly ) planning what to grow and i've decide carrots. The problem is that I know they don't like rich soil but I'm going to have to buy compost to fill my bed. Will this be alright or will they fork? Also if I want to grow baby veg do they have to be specialist varieties or can I just plant closer and pick earlier?
Do you know, I think I'm getting more of a kick out of this planning than I ever thought possible- I think I need to get out more!
Raine

[Tracey]

Hello Raine

I too have got 2 new raised beds that I'm planning to plant next year. Last year I grew carrots in a tube with bought compost and they were lovely. If you fill the beds as soon as possible the compost mat be less rich by sewing time. I think forking of carrots is caused by stones in the soil. When the carrot is growing it hits the stone and forks.

Tracey

[The Reverend]

The forking of carrots is caused by the growing tip getting damaged either by stoney ground or buy very fresh manure.
It is a bit of a misunderstanding that rich soil causes it, on the contrary really as you will get better quality carrots.

[Snadger]

I would recommend adding coarse sand to the compost you are growing carrots in to assist with the drainage!

[raine]

Many thanks all, I'm off to buy me some big sacks of soil!