Daucus carota 'Merida' F1

The 'Merida' F1 Organic Carrot is a Nantes type variety, rather early, that forms cylindrical orange roots, 19 to 22cm (8 to 9in) long, of good taste quality, which keep well. The collar is moderately thick and the plant develops very vigorous foliage. This carrot is ideal for summer and autumn production. It is sown in March - April, for harvest 3 to 4 months later. Carrots are appreciated for their sweet and sugary flavor as well as their multiple uses: grated, in soup or as an accompaniment to meat and fish.

The Carrot is a biennial herbaceous plant, grown as an annual. It belongs to the Apiaceae family (formerly Umbelliferae). This vegetable with very finely divided leaves is cultivated for its fleshy roots. Depending on the varieties, they are long, medium-long or sometimes round. Carrots are generally orange in colour, but can also be yellow, white or purple. They are rich in carotene and can be consumed raw or cooked. Their leaves are also delicious in soups.

In the vegetable garden, sow it in a sunny or semi-shady location. Carrots are not demanding on soil type. However, the best roots will be harvested in a rich, light soil with a sandy tendency. It is important to prepare the soil well by deep digging (30cm (12in)) in autumn, during which 2 to 3 kg of well-decomposed manure or compost will be incorporated. All stones should be removed during this operation.

Harvest: Depending on the variety, carrots can be harvested 3 to 6 months after sowing. During the season, harvest carrots as you need them. To extract the roots from the soil, use a digging fork, taking care not to damage the roots. Injuries to the roots can trigger rotting of the carrot during storage. Let the roots dry on the ground and in the sun for half a day.

Storage: in regions with mild winters, it can be done in the open ground, on the cultivation site, but this occupies a growing space in the vegetable garden. In this case, protect the roots from frost with a good layer of dead leaves. The simplest method is indoor storage. After harvest, cut the foliage at the base. In a frost-free and well-ventilated place, place the roots next to each other on a bed of sand. Cover them with a 2cm (1in) layer of sand and place the next row.

Gardener's tip: Carrot germination is often a bit slow and weeds are faster than it... two tips to limit weed growth:

- practice a false sowing: about 2 to 3 weeks before sowing, prepare the soil finely. Wait for the weed seeds present in the soil to start germinating. As soon as they appear, rake the surface and crosswise to eliminate these seedlings. You can then start sowing.

- sow radishes and carrots in the same row and at the same time. Radish germination is quick and will mark the row without delay, and once harvested, the radishes will make room for the carrots to grow.