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[rayzentz AT aim.com]

I have always loved carrots, but the only year I was ever successful growing 
them was when I was nine years old.   My parents had given each of the big 
kids their own garden plot (about 8 feet on a side) for us to grow whatever 
WE wanted.   Since the only veggie I liked at the time was carrots, thats all 
I planted.   As I recall, we did little rows, and I meticulously laid down 
one seed at a time in each row, at the distance recommended by the seed 
packet.   I remember using a ruler, and my dad just shaking his head...
 
Anyway, I watered my little plot daily for about two weeks, and the little 
tops were just showing, when my family went to visit grandparents (my 
grandmother had been severely injured in a car accident) for about a month.   
When we got back, my little plot was the only green part of the entire 
garden.   We literally had hundreds of carrots, and not much else.
 
I remember being as happy as a clam, pulling carrots daily, wiping the dirt 
off on my pants (which infuriated my mother), and munching away.
 
I have never successfully grown more than just a few carrots since (though 
hope springs eternal).
 
Ray
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: gloriamorris59 AT gmail.com
To: homestead AT lists.ibiblio.org
Sent: Fri, 5 Jan 2007 7:15 AM
Subject: Re: [Homestead] Carrots


I'm a Master Gardener, so-called, though I've let my certification
lapse. I've gardened my whole life. I was raised in a gardening
family. I can grow most things - some folks think I have a green
thumb. But carrots have defied me! For the past 16 years, I've lived
on land with heavy clay soil, and though I amended it extensively with
composted horse poop, chicken poop, sheep poop, etc., and it improved
greatly, it remained a clay based loam, and carrots do not care for
clay. My new place is very, very sandy. I guess that is why they call
it Sand Ridge. <grin> Perhaps my luck with carrots will change. Or
not. I have a good supply of manure with which to fertilize (I always
compost it first). It is difficult for me to refrain from amending all
my garden beds with the stuff! My Dad had decent luck with carrots.
Sandy soil and drip irrigation will work. Perhaps I'll install some
drip irrigation eventually - that's a project for a future year,
though! If anyone has had success with carrots, tell us about your
soil and techniques? Gloria
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