carrot query

[raine]

Hi all, please forgive me if this idea has already been aired but I read a thread about parsnip growing where you make individual holes then fill with compost and then sow. I would like to know if this would work for carrots? My soil is very stoney and although i am clearing it gonna take years! My idea is that when i bore a hole most of the stones would be moved. Does this sound daft or do you think it's worth a go ? ps I know the normal advice is to groe short variety nut I find 'em much too fiddly to peel/ clean ( lazy I know! )
thanks
raine

[LostthePlot]

I am doing just that, making holes and filling with nice friable composty soil. I will have to wait and see. I am also growing them in alternate rows with onions.

[roitelet]

My soil is very stoney as well. Having won the battle of the Carrot fly my next task is to grow some well shaped carrots. This year I have taken out slit trenches and filled them with a mixture of loam, sand and leaf mould. I shall be planting shortly using seed tapes. Can't remember who told me about them but thank you.

I shall just have to wait and see

[Norm]

Hi Raine, what you suggest will work, but don't be tempted to use ANY manure or you'll end up with Esther Rantzens. Long show carrots are usually grown in a mix of peat-based compost and sharp sand, about 4 to 1 and totally stone free. However, I wouldn't advise sowing yet unless you have had a cloche over the plot for a couple of weeks to warm the soil as the seeds need a bit of warmth to germinate and even if they do, a cold snap will set them back.

[Alice]

Hello Raine, yes that will work. Or you could grow your carrots in compost in containers. Early Nantes do well, and I got good crops just growing in Long Tom pots.
The problem with stony soil is that it is just that. In my experience, you can rake and remove the stones all you like, they just keep coming back from the bowels of the earth. It can be very fertile soil - but not suitable for carrots.
Let's know how you get on with the stones.

[raine]

Thanks for the encouragemnet- i will let you all know how i get on
Raine