This is my first time growing carrots in Ohio.
I moved from Texas back in August.
I typically space carrots out at least 5 inches apart.
I also work my soil alot with compost and straw to help with looser soil…however, I am not sure why my carrots have grown like this? They are nice and thick at the tops but then grow quite narrow and short plus splitting in 2-3 extra carrot "arms"
What is happening here?
by Wide_Feeling9865
5 Comments
Soil is too dense.
I grew beautiful carrots in a 12” deep raised bed with mix ala Square Foot Gardening method. Long and straight. Soil may still be too tight.
Carrots can fork for a variety of reasons – compact soil, obstructions like rocks and roots, and inconsistent watering. Using fresh compost or manure before planting can introduce excess nitrogen into the soil, which contributes to forking.
Are they overwintered? All those root hairs look like they are in their second season and getting ready to go to flower and seed.
Forking carrots can be due to transplanting them. You should only direct seed them.
carrots are a root crop, they require phosphorous and potassium only
compost = nitrogen typically, they will grow above ground not below