Planting Carrots in 2021 According to the Lunar Calendar: Table and Recommendations

Many vegetable crops are grown from seedlings in variable climates, while carrots are planted directly in their permanent locations without further transplanting. This saves time and simplifies agricultural practices, but also requires careful attention to the specific characteristics of the crop. The yield of this vitamin-rich vegetable will depend on growing conditions, proper care, and the timing of planting and harvesting, which can be determined using the lunar calendar.

Growing conditions requirements

Carrots are considered cold-resistant crops, so they are sown in both spring and fall when optimal conditions arise. Germination occurs at 4-6°C, but the warmer the temperature, the faster the seed will germinate. For example, at 8°C, seedlings will appear in 25-30 days, in 1-2.5 weeks at 18°C, and in 6-10 days at 25°C.

Temperatures as low as -4°C aren't harmful to seedlings, but they encourage stem formation if the plant has 5-8 leaves. When sowing in the fall or early spring, time the sowing to avoid potential frosts. Plants with 3-4 or 8 or more leaves are less susceptible to stem formation.

Landing by region

Based on the crop's temperature requirements, the time for sowing carrots outdoors is determined. However, there are no standard dates, as climates vary widely, and spring (or fall) doesn't always arrive according to the calendar. For example, in the Moscow region and central Russia, carrot planting begins earlier in the spring and later in the fall than in Siberia.

Spring and autumn planting dates by region:

• southern regions, Crimea, Krasnodar and the region - if spring is early and there is no threat of frost, then in the first ten days of March (the soil dries out quickly, and if planting is delayed, the seeds will not have enough natural moisture);
• Moscow and the region, regions of Central Russia - early and mid-season varieties are sown in the third ten-day period of April, late-season varieties are planted in the second ten-day period of June, winter sowing is carried out until mid-November;
• Trans-Urals, Ural – first ten days of May (frost is possible, so the bed should be covered with spunbond or film at night), planted before winter 1-1.5 weeks before the onset of frost;
• Siberia – the second or third ten days of May, when the threat of frost has passed (it is better to sow mid-season varieties, since late varieties may not ripen); in autumn – 1.5–2 weeks before the onset of real cold weather.

Selecting a variety (photo)

When choosing a variety, you need to consider the planting time (spring, autumn), local climate, ripening time, and growing purposes (for food, long-term or short-term storage).

Varieties, ripening periods:

• early (Tushon, Amsterdam, Laguna F1, Dutchman, Baltimore F1, Bureau) - full ripening occurs 65-90 days after emergence, cannot be stored;
• mid-early (Alenka, Nantes, Samson, Tip-top) – ready for harvesting in 80-100 days, do not store for long;
• mid-season (Chance, Vitaminnaya, Detskaya Joy, Belgien White) – ripening period from 100 to 110 days, can be stored;
• late-ripening (Queen of Autumn, Dolyanka, Royal Shantane, Dayana, Nastena) – ripen in 95-120 days, long storage.

If carrots are grown for long-term storage, then early and mid-season varieties are not suitable for this - you need to choose late-ripening varieties with good shelf life. If for consumption during the summer and fall, then it is better to plant early and mid-season carrots.

When is it better to plant carrots – in spring or before winter?

Each planting option (spring, fall) has its advantages and disadvantages. The choice should be based on your resources, i.e., your time to sow, your growing goals, your seed availability, and weather conditions. The best option is to plant some carrots in the fall and the rest in the spring.

Spring

Spring work begins as soon as the snow melts and the topsoil warms up. In the southern regions, this is early or late March, and in the Moscow region - Mid-April to early May; in the Urals and Siberian regions, late April to mid-May. The most favorable days for carrots are in April, when the soil has already thawed and warmed deeply.

Advantages of spring sowing:

• It is more convenient to choose a period when there is little chance of a sudden change in weather, whereas in the fall there is no guarantee that there will not be an unexpected warming and the seeds will germinate;
• You can plant early varieties and get a harvest by mid-summer;
• planting late-ripening varieties for long-term storage is only possible in spring;
• the soil has rested, is saturated with moisture, is full of nutrients and does not require special care.

On the downside planting in spring This may include the possibility of damage by insect pests and the smaller size of root crops compared to those planted in the fall.

Autumn

Autumn carrot planting is done in late autumn, when nighttime temperatures are around 0°C, daytime temperatures are around 3°C, and the real frosts are 2-3 weeks away. If planted too early, the seeds will germinate and the seedlings will die.

Advantages of autumn planting:

• the root crop ripens earlier;
• in early spring, seedlings are practically not damaged by insects;
• root crops grow larger, yield is higher;
• saves time needed for gardening in the spring;
• no need to stratify and soak seeds;
• The sowing areas are freed up early and can be used for planting lettuce, radishes, and dill.

Along with the obvious advantages, there are also disadvantages that need to be taken into account when planning plantings:

• there is a high probability that the seeds will germinate before the frost sets in, and the young plants will die under the snow;
• the root vegetable does not store for long;
• The bed needs to be arranged on a raised platform so that the soil dries out faster and the seeds don’t have time to get wet.

Planting carrots and the lunar calendar

According to the lunar calendar, root vegetables, including carrots, should be planted during the waning moon. During this period, liquids and juices are better absorbed by the soil and assimilated by the seeds., Therefore, for plants with edible underground parts (bulbs, tubers), these are the best days to plant. On the days of the Full Moon, New Moon, and the day before and the day after, it is not recommended to carry out any work with plants, planting, or digging.

When to plant carrots in 2021 according to the lunar calendar:

• March – 13, 14, 17, 18 -22;
• April – 10, 13-15, 18-20
• May – 10-12, 15-17, 20;
• September – 6-8, 11-14;
• October – 4-12;
• November – 2-12.

Days prohibited for sowing:

• March – 8-10, 23-25;
• April – 7-9, 22-24;
• May – 6-8, 21-23;
• September – 1-3, 16-18;
• October – 1-3, 15-17, 30, 31;
• November – 14-16, 29, 30.

Conditions for growing carrots

For spring planting, the soil is prepared in the fall. For fall sowing, it needs time to rest. After preparation, it should sit empty for 3-4 weeks to allow the organic matter and mineral fertilizers to be absorbed. The bed (1.3-1.5 m wide) is created in a sunny, level, moisture-free area, dug over, and fertilized with mineral fertilizers (potassium sulfate, superphosphate), ash, and bone meal. For depleted soil, rotted manure and compost (6-8 kg/m²) can be added.

If the soil is loamy, add ½ a bucket of sand and peat per square meter. Sprinkle chalk or dolomite flour (1 cup each) over the bed with acidic soil. After digging, harrow the soil, loosen it after 1.5-2 weeks, and level the surface.

The best predecessors for carrots are cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, watermelons, zucchini, pumpkin, cruciferous vegetables, and grains. Parsley, dill, parsnips, fennel, and sorrel are undesirable. The yield will increase if peas, radishes, and tomatoes are planted nearby. Carrots can be replanted in the same spot every four years.

Seed preparation and planting

Carrot seeds have a dense, hard shell rich in essential oils, so their germination rate is low—65 to 70%. Without treatment, seedlings will appear in two weeks, but germination can be accelerated by rinsing the seeds under running water and drying them first:

• place the seeds in a cotton bag and dip them in cold and then hot water (50°C) at 15-minute intervals;
• enrich (bubble) with oxygen using a compressor for 16-18 hours;
• soak in a growth stimulator solution (Epin Extra, Zircon);
• For two weeks, germinate the seeds in a bag (pre-soak it in water), buried in open ground at a depth of 25-30 cm;
• keep until swollen in a damp cloth at t=+20-24 °С.

https://youtu.be/dNblHrV3R3c

There is no need to check the seeds purchased in the store, but if you prepare them yourself, you must sort them - pour the seeds into a salt solution, and remove any that float to the surface (empty ones).

Before sowing, loosen the soil to remove clods, make furrows (2-3 cm deep) at intervals of 15-20 cm, and water. Once the water has been absorbed, spread the seeds evenly, cover with dry soil, and compact lightly. Cover the seedbed with spunbond to reduce evaporation and speed germination.

Care

Properly planting carrots doesn't guarantee a bountiful harvest. Yield and flavor largely depend on care tailored to weather conditions and the variety's characteristics.

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Care instructions:

1. Thinning + weeding. Thinning is done twice: once when two leaves form (leave 2-3 cm between plants), and again when they reach a height of 10 cm (leave 5-7 cm between plants). Removed plants should not be left in the bed or nearby, as the smell will attract carrot fly. After uprooting, lightly compact the soil to prevent insects from laying eggs in the depressions. It's best to combine weeding and thinning at first to prevent weeds from choking the young plants, then repeat the process several times throughout the season. Thinning is best done during the day, as carrot fly becomes more active in the evening.
2. Watering. While the plants are young, water every 3-4 days at a rate of 30-40 l/m². At the end of the growing season, water every 1.5-2 weeks at a rate of 10 l/m². Watering should be stopped 2-2.5 weeks before harvesting. The soil should be moistened to a depth corresponding to the size of the carrot. If watering is not adequate, carrots will become deformed and develop numerous thin roots.
3. Fertilizers. Apply fertilizer only to moist soil. Fertilize for the last time one month before harvest. Fertilize 2-3 times during the season:

• phase of formation of 2-3 true leaves – superphosphate + potassium salt (30 g each) + nitrate (25 g) + 10 l of water (volume per 10 m²) or a solution of bird droppings (1:15);
• after three weeks, apply the same fertilizers as during the first feeding;
• three weeks after the second – superphosphate (40 g) + potassium salt (25 g).

From the experience of growing carrots

Carrots have been grown as a garden crop for a long time, and over the decades of cultivation, a wealth of experience has been accumulated, allowing one to avoid mistakes and obtain a good harvest.

Recommendations:

• Always familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the variety in order to plant carrots on time;
• water regularly, do not allow the soil to dry out or become stagnant;
• the sugar content of root crops grown in partial shade is lower than when grown in a sunny area;
• carrots grown on loamy soils are small and often become rotten during storage;
• acidic and saline soils are not suitable for carrots;
• excess nitrogen leads to the growth of stems to the detriment of the underground part;
• foreign varieties are stored worse than domestic ones;
• If you harvest at temperatures below +8 C, some of the starch turns into sugar, which affects the taste and shelf life;
• the top of the root crop should always be underground, so hilling is carried out to prevent the accumulation of toxic solanine in the crown - it turns green when there is an excess of it;
• You can’t make a bed at an angle – water will wash away the soil near the root crop.

Growing carrots outdoors is simple, and with proper care, you can get a good harvest of root vegetables that retain their flavor and quality for a long time. The lunar calendar will tell you when to sow carrot seeds.