How can I tell if my carrots are ready for picking?!

Discussion in 'Edible Gardening' started by Snowbaby, Aug 1, 2013.

  1. Snowbaby

    Snowbaby Gardener

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    The tops of my carrots are poking out of the soil (have been for a few weeks now) and about 2 weeks ago I got nosey and pulled one up thinking it meant they were ready for harvesting.... it was about 2 to 3 cm long :roflol:

    So, how do I tell when they are ready please?
     
  2. "M"

    "M" Total Gardener

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    With mine, last year, I saw the top of the carrot break through to the surface.
     
  3. nFrost

    nFrost Head Gardener

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    I'm just gonna go off what the packet says, very tempting to dig up and have a peek though!
     
  4. Snowbaby

    Snowbaby Gardener

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    I have misplaced the packet (and remaining seeds).

    I re planted the one I pulled up haha!



    Sent from my GT-N7000
     
  5. Kleftiwallah

    Kleftiwallah Gardener

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    If you 'earth up' your carrots, you will reduce the amount of green on the shoulder.

    Cheers, Tony.
     
  6. Snowbaby

    Snowbaby Gardener

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    uploadfromtaptalk1375370765796.jpg

    uploadfromtaptalk1375370783647.jpg
    is there any way to tell by the bit that is showing, when I should harvest?


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  7. Vince

    Vince Not so well known for it.

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    Pick when you want..... baby carrots taste great too!

    You don't say what variety they are, earlies? maincrop?

    Without knowing, we can't be of much help.
     
  8. Snowbaby

    Snowbaby Gardener

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    I have no idea as I've misplaced the packet... Silly me!



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  9. nFrost

    nFrost Head Gardener

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    From the size I'd say you're a month off yet from getting a sizeable carrot. Total guesswork though.
     
  10. miraflores

    miraflores Total Gardener

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    Just compare it to the size of foliage of carrots in supermarkets which is about 20 cm I guess.
     
  11. Snowbaby

    Snowbaby Gardener

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    uploadfromtaptalk1376071410594.jpg

    Bubba & I were too impatient and hauled up the carrots! Lol! I'm making stew tmor night and couldn't resist home grown carrots, can't wait!

    And yes, that is a courgette! That's the only one that has grown so far. had to cut the end off as it was starting to rot, hence why I harvested it - will it be safe to eat?



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  12. Snowbaby

    Snowbaby Gardener

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    Why have the carrots grown so malformed?!


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  13. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    My thoughts on the malformed carrots are that if growing in containers you need to grow the stump rooted types or the round ones.
    I dont think multi purpose compost is ideal for growing them, if that is what you used.
    I'm thinking growing them in containers well is a bit tricky.
     
  14. Snowbaby

    Snowbaby Gardener

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    It was multi purpose compost, yes!


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  15. Phil A

    Phil A Guest

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    Although they're a funny shape they'll still be fine to eat, as will the Courgette :)
     
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