Many people wonder – does growing carrots in grow bags produce good results?
The answer to that question is quite surprising, and you’ll learn the step-by-step process on how it’s done.
With just a few simple tools, you can start harvesting your carrots and achieve success in this task. Moreover, there are a few secrets to making sure your carrots grow healthy.
After all, the healthier your crops are, the more nutritious they are.
So without further ado, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of growing your very own carrots in grow bags. You’ll learn all about the tools you need, techniques to apply, and little-known pro tips every avid gardener needs to know.
Can You Grow Carrots in a Grow Bag?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, carrots grow very well in grow bags. All it takes is good quality, nutrient-rich soil, and a favorable spot in your garden that gets plenty of sunlight. Growing carrots in grow bags is a practical solution for urban gardeners who have limited outdoor space.
How Long Do Carrots Take to Grow in Containers
Depending on certain conditions (soil quality, sunlight, nutrients), carrots can take a couple of months to grow in a container. Keep in mind that this crop prefers alkaline or neutral soil that has a reasonable amount of nitrogen. Moreover, it requires plenty of sun all day long.
With all these elements in place, your carrots should grow very well and yield excellent results.
When buying carrot seeds to grow in containers, I recommend the Nantes variety. This type of carrot has a rather short and stubby appearance, yet the flavor is sweet and crisp. It also has a smoother exterior unlike the rougher quality that traditional, pointy carrots have.
Tips for Growing Carrots in Grow Bags
The good thing about growing carrots in grow bags is that you can do this all year round. These crops can withstand the cold due to their frost-hardy nature. Just be sure they receive an abundant amount of sunlight – about 6 hours at a minimum.
Here are the steps you can take when planting carrots in grow bags to achieve success:
1. Select an ideal area for your crops.
Survey your yard and look for a spot that gets plenty of sunlight. Carrots need a full day of sun, although a minimum of 6 hours should work fine, too.
2. Choose the right soil.
This is a very important element when planting carrots in grow bags. If you use the wrong soil, this will greatly impact your crops’ growth and chances of germination.
Buy soil that is sandy and loose without stones. The idea is to make sure your carrots grow deeper down into the dirt easily. Newly-bought and fresh compost is best for growing carrots with great results.
3. Get your potting mix ready.
The best soil for carrots is one that does not have heavy clay in it. This is why you need a potting mix for your crops. Add in some organic fertilizer for nutrients and moisten well. Fill your bag with the potting mix.
4. Consider the size of the grow bag.
Even if you are planting short and small crops, you still need to ensure ample growing space. Choose a large bag for your carrots and be sure it has holes for drainage.
5. Ensure the right spacing for your seeds.
Overcrowding seeds can result in a poor germination rate. This is why you need to space the seeds out properly to promote the best growth. The ideal distance is an inch apart, which is very important for such small seedlings. If it is difficult to space the seeds because they are too small, you can simply thin them out and spread evenly on the soil with the back of a spoon.
6. Cover the seeds with some soil.
Once you have sown the seeds, it is time to cover them. I suggest that you put only a small handful of soil to cover the top. There is no need to pack it down – just sprinkle some dirt on top and then it is good to go.
7. Water regularly.
Since your crops are getting plenty of sunlight, you need to make sure they are getting enough water. This is particularly important when there is not enough rainfall in your area.
Check out this video that shows the step by step process of growing carrots in grow bags for outstanding results.
Caring for Your Carrots in Grow Bags
It should take a couple of weeks or so before some shoots start to appear in your grow bags. The process can take longer if the weather is colder.
Once you see some shoots come out, preferably between 1 and 2.5 centimeters tall, you can begin thinning your crops. What this means is that you should replant the shoots to make sure there is a distance of 2 inches per crop.
The best time for thinning is in the evening. Your goal is to prevent carrot flies from attacking your crops. Then, remove thinned carrots and place them inside a bin or compost heap. This way, you can ensure that no carrot flies are hovering around your plants.
Although carrots need sunlight, they can benefit from a little shade. This is particularly true when the area is so hot and dry. I recommend that you use netting over the plants that can serve as a shield for intense heat and some pests including caterpillars and carrot flies.
Harvesting Your Crops
When your carrots have reached maturity at the end of each season, it should be ready for harvesting. This should be between 65 and 75 days from planting.
The ideal time to harvest is in the evening when it is nice and cool. Be sure the temperature is dry and not humid whenever you harvest.
You can use a garden fork and simply loosen the dirt around the carrots. Lift gently and remove the foliage right away. Be sure to brush off some dirt but do not give your carrots a rinse unless you are going to eat them immediately.
Bottom Line
Growing carrots in grow bags is easy and simple, as long as you know the right tools and techniques you need.
I hope that after reading this post, you were able to gain insight on how to grow this nutritious and tasty crop even in the comfort of your own home.
Be sure to apply these steps and expert advice to ensure an abundant yield for a great return on your investment.