How to Grow Carrots
How to Grow Carrots
Carrots are relatively easy to grow and can be planted as seeds throughout Australia at this time of year. Plant them in rows in garden beds, or in deep containers. You can even cut the tops off carrots and get your children to grow them in dishes of water as an introductory experiment in horticulture.
Growing conditions:
- Most varieties require sandy, light deep soil that is well drained.
- Prefers soils free of strong manures.
- Prefers a sunny area but will grow with partial shading.
Soil Nutrient requirements:
- Grow in a loose soil (sandy loam is ideal), so the carrot can form properly
- Use an all purpose fertiliser, plus some lime or dolomite (add before planting).
- Minimize nitrogen, and maintain good levels of phosphorus and potassium.
- Carrots require a pH of around 6.3
Planting:
Depending on variety , seed can be grown in most areas all year round.
Seed is mainly sown in spring and summer.
Seed are mainly small and fine; they can be added to dry sand to increase their bulk and thus are easier to sow.
Soak bed well before planting and keep moist until germination.
Cooking With Carrots
Carrots contain a large amount of sugar which adds to their nutritional value. Old carrots should be blanched before cooking
How to Cook Glazed Carrots
Pare some young carrots
Place them in a pan covered with cold water
Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1--2 tablespoons sugar, and 50g (quarter cup of butter) for each half litre of water
Bring to the boil
Cover pan lower heat and simmer until liquid has evaporated
Shake pan so that carrots are covered in the syrupy liquid and serve
Nutrient Value of Carrots
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene
Beta-carotenes are converted into vitamin A in the body
Other orange or yellow fruits and vegetables such as pawpaws, mangoes, pumpkin, oranges and peaches are also rich in carotenes.
Some green and red fruit and vegetables such as red peppers, broccoli, and spinach are also rich in carotene, but their orange colour is overpowered by the green pigment chlorophyll.
Did You Know?
Carrots were originally a native plant of Afghanistan
The early varieties were red, black and purple
Orange carrots were developed in Holland in the 17th century
[22/05/2012 13:37:24]
