Hey everyone! I'm wondering how long you all typically leave your carrots in the ground versus what the seed packets say for maturity. I'm growing Danvers carrots, which are supposed to be ready in about 65-75 days. I find myself leaving them in way longer since they still aren't the size I want. I'm curious if I should keep them in longer or if there's a risk of them getting too woody. Also, I'm interested in any experiences with overwintering carrots. What do you think?
5 Answers
I usually plant my seeds around late April or early May, then I start pulling them up by late September to October. This year, the rain really helped them grow huge!
I've accidentally overwintered some carrots before, and let me tell you, they were pretty woody! In my experience, if you can see the tops and they're not trying to flower, you should be fine. Just watch out for the frost; you want to get them out before the ground freezes, or it makes it tricky.
If your carrots do get woody, don’t worry too much—you can still use them in soups or stews! They’re kind of like beets; just keep an eye on their growth. If they’re not getting big enough, maybe check their water levels and see if the soil is too compacted.
I like to feel how thick the tops are maybe once every few days as they approach the maturity window. Pulling carrots with kids is always hilarious; it’s a surprise every time!
I planted my carrots in April and began harvesting them from September to the end of October. It's all about timing and the right conditions!
Interesting! How long do you usually leave your carrots in for?