This carrot is ready to harvest.
Carrots are really easy to grow in the garden and an edible landscape. Their soft fern-like foilage is attractive and carrots are a great treat to eat when they're ready to harvest. But, how do you know when it's time to pull the carrots from the ground?
Carrots are ready to pick when they are about 3/4 of an inch across at the top, just below the green stem. The orange of the carrot may be sticking above ground, or you can gently remove the dirt from around the stem to take stock of the size.
While it's always fun to see how big the carrots can get, keep in mind that the flavor will begin to diminish after it reaches it's peak size. The sweetest are generally thinner and smaller; and this is true for the carrots purchased at the store as well.
How to harvest these super sweet and nutritious roots
To pick the carrots, grab them firmly by the root and wiggle them around in their hole before pulling straight up. Remove the greens immediately so they don't continue to pull nutrients from the carrot itself. Wipe off the excess dirt and if they are wet or muddy, let them dry off before refrigerating.
If the soil is particularly hard, it may be helpful to water the area where the carrots are growing before trying to pull them out. Water thoroughly so the moisture soaks down, but then wait an hour or so before starting to harvest. Otherwise, you'll find yourself in a muddy mess.
What to do with the bounty
If the harvest is more than you can eat before they spoil, here are a few ideas to extend the life of your home-grown carrots.
- Believe it or not, you can actually keep fresh carrots for the winter by burying them in damp sawdust or sand and keeping them in a cold (32-40 degrees) spot.
- Slice them and either dehydrate or freeze for use in soups, casseroles and stews throughout the winter.
- If you love homemade carrot cake, grate enough for the recipe and freeze. Then, pull out the package and enjoy the bounty from your garden even in the middle of winter.
For more info: This is one in a series of articles to help new and seasoned gardeners alike know if the fruits and vegetables growing in their gardens and landscapes are ready to pick and enjoy. Links to more articles are listed below and more are being added regularly.
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