6 Tips for Transplanting Carrots

Carrots are one of the most nutritious root vegetables, and are grown in almost every part of the world. They are rich in Vitamin A and are considered to be good for eyesight. Besides agricultural cultivation, carrots are usually grown in gardens and backyards. Unlike plants that grow from seeds, new carrot plants grow out of roots. This is the reason why vegetables like carrots can be grown by transplanting vegetables from one place to another through vegetable root transplanting methods. Doing this is a relatively difficult task as compared to planting seeds in the soil as one has to take care not to harm or damage the plant during transplanting process. There are few basic tips that should be followed by gardeners while transplanting carrots.

Harden the Plant

This process involves deliberately keeping the plant in open for some time before planting them in the soil. The time given for hardening usually ranges from 5 to 8 days depending on the nature of plant. In case of carrots, the surrounding temperature plays an important role in the hardening process; too much or too less heat may damage the plant.

Check the Soil Temperature

Before planting the carrot in the soil, it is essential to first know the soil temperature, which ideally should fall between 65°F and 75°F. If the temperature of soil is not ideal, it will prevent the plant from growing properly.

Removing weeds and unnecessary pebbles from the soil is important. Also, make sure that the pH level of the soil is close to 6.5. These days, there are electronic soil testers available, which provide information regarding soil temperature. In addition, it is necessary to identify the composition of the soil. A soil that is devoid of essential nutrients may not be able to properly support the healthy growth of the plant. You can also buy nutrient-rich soils, which are easily available, from the market.

Proper Timing

Transplanting the carrots does not guarantee its healthy growth. The timing also needs to be perfect. It is generally advisable to transplant carrots on a cloudy day in order to prevent prolonged exposure to sunlight. Avoid planting carrots if the temperature is too high or too low as it may damage the roots. Choose a rainy day to plant carrots for it will help roots in establishing a firm grip to the soil.

Proper Use of Fertilizers

It is good to use natural manure to provide essential nutrients to plant. These days, various types of fertilizers like root builders allow useful microorganisms such as fungi to grow in the soil. They, in turn, help the roots to draw more nutrients from the soil. While using fertilizers, one should keep the quantity in mind as their excessive use is likely to be counterproductive.

Proper Spacing

Carrots should not be planted very deep in the soil. Ideally, they should be planted 3 to 8 inches below the surface and at a distance of 15 inches from each other. If they are planted close to each other, it may lead to competition among the plants for nutrients.

Pest Control

Carrot plants attract various types of insects and pests such as carrot root flies, flea beetles, vegetable weevils, army worms and parsley worms. In order to prevent attack by such insects and pests, they should be properly treated with insecticides and pesticides from time to time. It is advisable to use natural or organic pesticides to combat pest infestation.