Carrot harvesting dates for storage: a table of favorable days for 2020 according to the moon

Even if you follow carrot cultivation guidelines, you may not have enough to last the entire winter. This isn't just a matter of the root crop's growing conditions, but also the correct and timely harvesting. It's important not only to adhere to the harvesting schedule but also to ensure the roots ripen fully. It's essential to follow the proper storage guidelines for carrots. Only with a comprehensive approach can you enjoy these juicy vegetables until spring.

Harvesting Rules

Damaged carrots should never be stored. These vegetables begin to rot and develop mold within a couple of months. Use caution when working with a shovel or pitchfork (the latter is safer). Damage means fruit loss. Choose a dry, sunny, and fine day for harvesting. It's best if there has been no rain for a week before harvesting.

The simple rules for harvesting are:

1. Pay attention to the softness, composition, and structure of the soil. If the soil is loose, pull the carrots out a couple at a time. It's not recommended to hit the roots one against the other. After harvesting, let them dry in the sun. Remove dried sand with protected hands; gloves are recommended.
2. If the soil is hard, use a pitchfork. If you can't pull the tops out, dig up the roots at least 10 cm below the surface.

Unscrewing the tops can damage the tops. It's best to cut them off with a sharp knife when harvesting. It's recommended to leave the petioles on to prevent the root vegetables from spoiling over time and promote faster growth in the spring.

Signs of carrot maturity

The packaging contains harvest dates—check them before purchasing. There are different types of varieties: early, mid-season, and late. Early varieties are popular for fresh eating, as the roots aren't meant for long-term storage, 1-2 months at most. These carrots are usually harvested slightly before they reach maturity.

Read alsoBeet and carrot harvesting dates in the Moscow region The harvest begins with seed selection, then they're planted in the soil, and the crop undergoes constant, proper care. The most anticipated stage of all this gardening hustle and bustle is, of course, the harvest.

Mid-season varieties are the best. These carrots store much longer than early varieties. They're ideal for regions with short warm periods, where frosts and cold weather can occur as early as early autumn.

Late-ripening varieties have the advantage of longevity. These fruits boast excellent flavor and size. And if harvested correctly, the roots will keep until spring—much longer than the previous two varieties. It's best to rotate carrot varieties in the garden. This way, the harvest can last for several months, which is convenient for busy gardeners.

It's important to choose the right time to harvest carrots. Here are a few signs:

1. Look at the growing season on the packaging. Remember when the seedlings emerge. It's easy to calculate when the crop reaches maturity. Pay attention to the planting locations, too. A mistake can be fatal if different varieties are growing in the same beds.
2. Estimate the size of the vegetables. You can do this using the photo on the seed package, which also provides information on the dimensions. If the sizes don't match those in your garden, it's best to wait a bit longer.
3. Assess the condition of the root crops. Sometimes, small roots may turn white. This means the crop needs to be harvested urgently, otherwise there's a risk of overgrowing.

But if the greenery has completely turned yellow, the plants need to be treated immediately!

How to get rid of tops

Carrots contain carotene, which has a positive effect on vision. And carrot greens, the tops, are healthier than the root vegetables themselves, containing 300 times more nutrients! You can try removing the tops in several ways:

• twisting;
• cutting with a knife leaving a 15 mm tail;
• removal with a thin layer of carrots.

Typically, only those with extensive vegetable gardening experience resort to the latter option. This method requires precision when removing the greens. This prevents the tops from growing back during winter storage. After trimming the tops, the fruits are dried. The knife can be replaced with pruning shears or scissors—whichever is more convenient.

We calculate the cleaning time

As already noted, carrots come in early, mid-season, and late varieties. Harvest times depend directly on these varieties. Early varieties need only 70-90 days to ripen, and these vegetables typically have a shelf life of up to two months. Examples of varieties include Parisian Carrotel, Fincor, and Amsterdam. Mid-season carrots begin to ripen in approximately 105 days, but their quality is several times higher. These carrots are rich in beneficial nutrients. Examples include:

• Rothe-Riesen;
• Vitamin;
• Moscow winter.

Late varieties take the longest to ripen—120 days—but they offer the best quality produce. They also keep well into summer. These varieties include Osobaya, Queen of Autumn, and Red Giant.

Read alsoWhy you shouldn't leave carrots in the garden all winter Growing carrots doesn't require much effort, but preserving them until spring is challenging. Many gardeners disagree on storage conditions. Some prefer to leave them directly in the…

Importance of climate

Weather conditions and climate are important factors in the development of the fruit in the soil. Naturally, timing also varies depending on these factors. In dry climates, frequent watering and the addition of mineral fertilizers are necessary. During wet, snowy periods, dripping is strictly prohibited. The temperature before harvesting should be around 7°C (45°F), not lower. This temperature should be used to plan the carrot harvest.

Carrots take longer to ripen if the weather isn't favorable. In colder regions, the vegetable will take longer, so early-maturing varieties are chosen. Careful inspection is essential; errors can lead to fruit loss.Harvesting carrots from the garden for storage in 2020, it is necessary, focusing on the lunar calendar.

Lunar cleaning calendar

A vegetable grower's assistant – a lunar carrot harvesting calendar. It will help you choose the right timing for all stages of carrot cultivation, including harvesting. The dates and months depend on the lunar phases and constellations, which have long been studied by scientists. Harvest dates according to the lunar calendar are shown in the table:

If it rains on an auspicious date, then the time for harvesting carrots is postponed to the next auspicious day.

The importance of the region

The crop's ripening period directly depends on the planting region. Therefore, the carrot harvest time in 2020 should be calculated based on the following regional characteristics. The Urals have short and cold summers, so early planting is not advisable. It's best to sow carrots here in late May to ensure a good harvest by summer.

In the Moscow region and central Russia, carrots are best planted in early May. Mid-season varieties can be harvested around August 20th, while late varieties can be harvested in early September. In the Leningrad region, early varieties are grown more often because the carrots need to be dug up before frost sets in. Other varieties must be grown from seedlings. Any variety can be planted in Siberia, but only from seedlings and preferably in a greenhouse.

Preparing carrots for storage

Carrots can be stored in the refrigerator or cellar. The key is to properly prepare the roots. It's recommended to stop watering approximately 30 days before digging, as frosts can occur later. Choose a dry, clear day for digging, but avoid strong sunlight. Prepare the carrots for storage. Start by drying them and trimming the tops. Laying them out in a well-ventilated area will help ensure thorough drying.

The most popular storage methods are:

• with clay solution;
• in the sand;
• with polyethylene.

Each summer resident decides for himself which one to choose, after studying the advantages and disadvantages.

Storage rules

For long-term storage, carrots can be placed in boxes, covered with sand, and stored in the basement. Root vegetables can be stored in the refrigerator for a short time—about 30 days. For longer-term storage, carrots should be placed so that there is a small distance between them—they shouldn't touch each other. This rule is important, otherwise the crop will simply rot. Sand can be replaced with a special mixture of ash, sawdust, and salt. These are good because they easily and quickly absorb all moisture.

Below are the most common storage mistakes:

1. Insufficient drying. Many vegetables can be lost simply because they aren't dried properly. The fruit will begin to darken and rot. It's recommended to place carrots in a garden bed so they dry out along with the soil.
2. There's no need to cut off the tops completely—as mentioned above. It's recommended to leave the growing point. Without this, the carrots won't turn out high-quality.
3. After trimming the tops, store the vegetables in a cool, dark place. They will keep for 1 to 2 weeks. The core will retain its juices, and the skin will remain firm.

Sorting errors, or lack thereof, are common. If the fruit is already rotten or spoiled, it cannot be left that way. Sorting is essential.

The next common mistake is unrefrigerated carrots. Carrots are cooled to a storage temperature of -2 to +2°C. ^OS. This way, it will stay fresh all winter. Otherwise, it will freeze. Storage bags should also be mentioned – they shouldn't be tightly sealed. They won't release condensation and carbon dioxide into the vegetables. Again, careful sorting, removing spoiled vegetables, is recommended. It's recommended to poke a few holes in the bag to improve oxygen exchange.

Storage methods should vary each year. Over time, mold can develop in the storage areas and materials, which can negatively impact vegetables. It's recommended to sort the vegetables at least twice a year:

• the first one is after collection;
• the second - after drying.

It's also important to remember the correct storage temperatures. Don't remove the tops by hand—it's better to use simple tools (scissors, pruning shears, or a knife). Otherwise, the tops of the vegetables may be damaged.

Harvesting carrots in 2020 isn't difficult. But you need to follow the rules. There are many nuances, but attentiveness and diligence will save any situation.