growing own veggies in bags and pots (Merged)

Saint_Chris

Hi
I'm going to try and grow some carrotts for the 1st time, and i've got some seeds, but i will only be able to use containers.

Shall i start the seeds off in trays until that start growing, then plant outside in deep tubs.

thanks

lindseykim13

i just planted mine outside in newly laid compost, they started growing very quickly, a week i think, only problem is something is eating the tops of them, i have a few left and i've just sowed some more out there. I have no idea whats doing it, it def isnt slugs, i'm gussing birds. I really do need to get out there and give my patch some tlc but the weather isnt helping!

Zazen999

Hi.
For a first timer - make sure the pot is as deep as you can get, and make sure you have sand in the mix.
Pop some seeds on the top, add about 1/2 inch of compost/sand mix.
I've never had anything eat my carrots to be honest...i would also put some onions/coriander with them to keep the carrot fly away.
Then just leave them alone for several months, weed, fertilise etc.
If you suspect birds, pop some fine netting over the top until the carrot tops push the netting up. If slugs, then pellets, beer, coffee grinds, holly etc depending on your own way of doing things.
i wouldn't ever sow carrots in seed trays, they just aren't deep enough. I do start some of mine off in smaller deep pots, but plant out in bunches rather than singly if i can [did some last night].

Dustykitten

I heard that you shouldn't sow carrot whilst the wild flower queen anne lace is in flower as this is the carrot fly season; sow before it is in flower or after it has finished. It is still in flower at my lottie

meanmarie

Zazen...what companions do you sow with your carrots? Will have a go this year with your idea of monthly planting and am going to try the coriander and onion trick as well as French marigolds which allegedly protect from the carrot fly.

We use a lot of carrots and there is nothing like a fresh carrot for flavour, so will use my newfound freedom of retirement to see how many more crops I can manage to get going. OH is not too keen on gardening, but will do some of the heavier work just to shut me up...and of course eat anything we grow!

Marie

Zazen999

Hi.
Carrot companions, as you said - onion and coriander - if you want add in leek and garlic that will work. Pop one or two F marigolds - you can't go wrong with them. You can also put in peas, lettuce, rosemary, chamomile, spinach and chard for a variety. I put some swiss chard with mine last week, ready for a autumn/winter show [the yellow and red stalks are gorgeous]

Dustykitten

Just dug up my first (of very few carrots which have survived the slugs) and they are nearly all forked, tasted fine so not too worried but interested as to what causes this? Stones? I did not feed the soil. thanks

Lord_Gardener

Dustykitten wrote: »

Just dug up my first (of very few carrots which have survived the slugs) and they are nearly all forked, tasted fine so not too worried but interested as to what causes this? Stones? I did not feed the soil. thanks

Could be stones, but as they are all nearly like this it is probably due to either an over rich seed bed - too much compost/manure added which has not been allowed to break down prior to sowing the seed or very heavy clay conditions!

squiggle37

first time with carrotts i had them growing the black buckets you get from morrisons i cut the bottoms off so they could grow into the soil i picked seedling out when they started showing thru so they wasnt too many, also kept them covered with fleece and every one had holes in them dont think i will grow them again at least i tried.

Dustykitten

Lord_Gardener wrote: »

Could be stones, but as they are all nearly like this it is probably due to either an over rich seed bed - too much compost/manure added which has not been allowed to break down prior to sowing the seed or very heavy clay conditions!

Thanks - no new compost added but we do have clay subsoil, could be stones I'll try some more in another place and see what happens