carrots in containers

[alex titchmarsh]

Hello, My first question (first of thousands probably). I want to put some of this years carrots in a smallish box. I have a general compost to plant them in. Will this be too rich for the carrots, or should I 'dilute, it a bit with some sand? If so, what sort of ratio sand to soil should I make it? thanks in anticipation, Al

[HayleyB]

Mine went into general compost last year and were fine, as long as you remember drainage holes

Welcome to the nutvine

[selfraising]

Yes so did mine Alex

[Marthaclematis]

Mine have been planted in a large container with general compost - outside with glass over the top. First time for me but I'll keep you posted. I saw ONE tiny sprout with first leaves today. I water them with a bottle spray as the seeds are so fine. To tell the truth I'll be amazed if they grow, I always am when anything does!

[alex titchmarsh]

Thanks. I'ii try them without sand - and with drainage holes.

[Oleander]

I have been growing some in multipurpose compost, in a big tub, and they have been really successful. We ate the first harvestings last Sunday, and they were the most carroty tasting carrots I have ever had!

[Marthaclematis]

Wow Oleander I am impressed! Can I ask how did you sow them? I sowed mine straight into the tub. How you?

[lyndap]

I've tried both methods but have found mixing half used multi comp with half new comp works best for me in my tubs n buckets.

[NOG]

I did it in general compost last year but this year I am going to use a liquid feed more regularly this time.

[Alice]

Welcome to the Vine Alex. Your carrots will be fine in general purpose compost.

[Iamhanuman]

mine are in general purpose and two seedlings have just appeared

[novarec49pl]

Hi, we grow 6 different varities of different colours rangeing from white to black. We use only our own home made compost (we also add all our used compost to the heaps for rotting down) which we put in deep black pails (Morrisons sell them in assorted packs for 99p) the drainage must be perfect so drill lots of holes in the bottom plus a few in the sides approx 1" from the bottom. We then put 2 to 3" of un-sieved compost in the bottom, this will stop all the finer compost being washed out by watering and saves using gravel which you dont want in the compost heap for next year. We then fill with sieved compost to 1" from the top, lightly sprinkle the seeds on the surface and then just lightly cover with more sieved compost. Water only with a very fine rose or a hand held sprayer (NOT on the hose pipe). If this is in a heated greenhouse or on your window sill you will see results in approx 2 to 3 weeks and the surface of the compost should be well covered with shoots with in 4 to 6 weeks. Keep the compost moist but do not satuate. When the carrots are about the thickness of a pencil start to thin them out, a few at a time to allow the remainder to grow larger, sprinkle more sieved compost to fill the holes left bt the thinnings. The thinnings are wonderful in salads, just top and tail and wash or used as cooked veg, leave as much green stalk as there is length of carrot, tasty and attractive plus they take only 3 mins to cook if you drop into ready boiling water. To keep a ready supply we plant a pot of each approx every 4 to 6 weeks. This feeds the two of us and gives us enough swaps for other like minded. One word of warning. It doesn't matter if you plant them in a greenhouse or outside, they will always be under threat from carrot fly. Keep the pots at least 24" off the ground as the little sods cant get any higher than that. Good luck with growing everything and we are sure you will be well impressed with colourful salads and veg.
Terry and Sherry.

[goldwolf]

Out here in the country side it is easy to get hold of mole hill soil and mix it with compost works a treat

[TEB]

Hi, we grow 6 different varities of different colours rangeing from white to black. We use only our own home made compost (we also add all our used compost to the heaps for rotting down) which we put in deep black pails (Morrisons sell them in assorted packs for 99p) the drainage must be perfect so drill lots of holes in the bottom plus a few in the sides approx 1" from the bottom. We then put 2 to 3" of un-sieved compost in the bottom, this will stop all the finer compost being washed out by watering and saves using gravel which you dont want in the compost heap for next year. We then fill with sieved compost to 1" from the top, lightly sprinkle the seeds on the surface and then just lightly cover with more sieved compost. Water only with a very fine rose or a hand held sprayer (NOT on the hose pipe). If this is in a heated greenhouse or on your window sill you will see results in approx 2 to 3 weeks and the surface of the compost should be well covered with shoots with in 4 to 6 weeks. Keep the compost moist but do not satuate. When the carrots are about the thickness of a pencil start to thin them out, a few at a time to allow the remainder to grow larger, sprinkle more sieved compost to fill the holes left bt the thinnings. The thinnings are wonderful in salads, just top and tail and wash or used as cooked veg, leave as much green stalk as there is length of carrot, tasty and attractive plus they take only 3 mins to cook if you drop into ready boiling water. To keep a ready supply we plant a pot of each approx every 4 to 6 weeks. This feeds the two of us and gives us enough swaps for other like minded. One word of warning. It doesn't matter if you plant them in a greenhouse or outside, they will always be under threat from carrot fly. Keep the pots at least 24" off the ground as the little sods cant get any higher than that. Good luck with growing everything and we are sure you will be well impressed with colourful salads and veg.
Terry and Sherry.

This great, I can grow carrots in the ground but never had much luck in containers, will follow this advice.
Many thanks

PS I have heard that the height thing with carrot fly is an urban myth as they have been found at "tree height" (didnt mention what type of tree).

[novarec49pl]

Carrot Fly?

We heard the same about carrot fly yet next door really suffers badly with his ground crop enery year but we have, so far, managed to avoid it. We are sure there must be exceptions as the wind can lift tin roofing sheets into the trees so carrot fly would be easily transported. LOL.
Terry and Sherry