How do you plant a carrot?

1. Prepare the soil. Carrots grow best in loose, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is not ideal, you can amend it with compost or well-rotted manure to improve its drainage and fertility.

2. Choose the right variety. There are many different varieties of carrots available, each with its own unique flavor, shape, and size. Some popular varieties include Danvers Half Long, Nantes, and Chantenay.

3. Sow the seeds. Carrot seeds are small and should be planted about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. You can sow the seeds in rows or broadcast them over the soil surface. If you are sowing the seeds in rows, space them about 12 to 18 inches apart.

4. Cover the seeds. Cover the seeds with soil and water them well.

5. Thin the seedlings. When the seedlings are about 2 inches tall, thin them out to about 4 to 6 inches apart. This will give the carrots room to grow.

6. Water the carrots. Carrots need to be watered regularly, especially during dry spells.

7. Fertilize the carrots. Carrots do not need a lot of fertilizer, but you can side-dress them with compost or well-rotted manure once or twice during the growing season.

8. Harvest the carrots. Carrots are ready to harvest when they are about 6 to 8 inches long. You can harvest them by pulling them up from the ground or by digging them up with a shovel.

9. Store the carrots. Carrots can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to 2 months. You can also store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks.