Tiddly carrots

Hello everyone.
I am completely new at growing vegetables. I am surrounded by expert french growers who don't believe in buying from supermarkets. My closest french neighbour has finally got me to grow some of my own this year with the hope that next year I will be as good as he is - NEVER !! When I'm not feeling so intimidated I'll post a picture of his vegetable patch - he grows for France I think.

I'm not attempting much - no potatoes or onions as I've only designated a small area of garden this year. This is what I collected today (minus the lettuce and peppers which I get daily and had been eaten before I took the photo) Now, they are not wonderful veggies because I don't use any pest or weed control, but I don't think it's bad for a beginner. The trouble comes after............



OK - you might laugh 'cos there is only one strawberry and one skinny runner bean, but we had more the other day believe it or not. Besides, there are only two of us and we need to lose weight!

Now the trouble....... I planted some carrot seeds on 4th April. This is the developement so far......




Am I being impatient or is there something wrong?

I hate to admit it, but there is something quite wonderful about going outside to pick your lunch and dinner. Dear Georges, my neighbour, has really got me into something here. I think I'm hooked so need all your expertise to help me plan a proper veggie garden for next year - but that can wait until later in the year.

For now, any advice and guidance would be gratefully received.

I thank you.

 

My word kryssy thats a lovely selection! Well done. Im new to growing too but on the packet of the carrot seeds I bought it says sowing time April to June and harvesting time August to November... so I think you are being a bit impatient! Im the same, pulled up a very similar looking carrot today, its hard to know whats going on under the ground though isnt it.

 

Oh thank you Lottielou. Trouble with me is that I chuck out the packets and then cannot remember what they said. So roll on August then.

I agree to what you said about what goes on underground. At least if there are peas or tomatoes you can see what's what. I've sown carrots, parsnips and leeks and wonder what the dickens is happening underground.

I will be more patient from now on.

 

Good looking veg there. Don't know what its like over in France but beware of disturbing carrots as the smell can attract carrot root fly (bad things whose grubs tunnel through the roos and make them inedible). We cover ours with fleece to keep the things off the crop.

Your carrots are about as big as mine. We sowed 6 short rows of Parsnips and a total of 3 appeared! Still they are growing well - looks like we will be on a diet this winter too.

 

kryssy.The gardeners most important tool is patience. Don`t worry, what you have grown so far is fine just eat it and enjoy. David.

 

Thank you kind Sirs. I'll be careful of the carrot fly A.G. I've seen little "fences" around some peoples carrots. Is that what they are for? I always thought they were to keep out rabbits who had bad legs and couldn't jump! - oh shut up Kryssy.

Hubby just had the vapours laughing at me having to have patience. I was at the back of the queue the day it was handed out. I just don't have any. But I'll ignore him and just listen to all your good advice.

Can sympathize over your parsnips A.G. I know I sowed 24 spinach plants and I've only got 5. (I did have 6 but the other day I pulled one up by mistake when I was taking off some leaves) :rolleyes:

 

kryssy if you want a laugh go into members gallery then kathys garden, and look at my veg garden (carrots)lovely green stuff :D

 

Kathy, what a great idea to hang your veg. Never thought of that one.

WOO - you too are a genius. Now I understand why people put little fences around their carrots. I always thought it daft as the fly could just as easily fly over - but now I know. Brilliant!

So much to learn - so few brain cells.