Vegetable (root biennial, grown as annual)
Carrot
Daucus carota
Grown from seed directly in loose, stone-free soil — the single biggest cause of forked or stunted carrots is compacted or rocky ground.
| Light | Full sun to light shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Consistent, moderate; avoid drying out and flooding cycles |
| Spacing | 5-8 cm between plants, thinned |
| Zones | Cool-season, all zones |
| Harvest | 60-80 days from seed |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
Soil texture decides the shape
Carrots need soil worked loose to at least 25 cm with stones and clods removed. Heavy clay or shallow beds produce short, forked, or twisted roots regardless of variety or feeding.
Thin early and ruthlessly
Carrot seedlings do not transplant well, so sow thinly and thin to final spacing by the time seedlings have two true leaves — crowded carrots stay thin and compete for the same root space.
More plant profiles
- TomatoThe most-grown vegetable in home gardens, and the one most improved by consistent water and a cage or stake set at planting time.
- LettuceA fast, forgiving crop that bolts to seed in heat, so timing and shade matter more than soil fertility.
- BasilThe most temperature-sensitive common herb — it sulks below 10°C and needs regular pinching to stay leafy rather than flowering.