Part IV · Crop record 11

Carrots

A physical tunnel protected new top growth, and an August 17 test pull produced a large healthy-looking carrot.

2026 STATUSHarvest ready · soil wet← all crop stories

Growth timeline

The season in three field marks

JUN 3

Row weeded and compost top-dressed.

JUL

A chicken-wire tunnel protected the row after groundhog browsing.

AUG 17–20

One large test carrot confirmed readiness; the remaining row stayed undisturbed while soil was wet.

01

Planting

Carrots occupied the center root row with onions in the original left-center-right row plan.

02

Fertilization

A compost top-dressing supplied gentle nutrition without forcing excessive top growth.

03

Irrigation

The row received drip moisture when needed and relied on rain during wet periods.

04

Pest history

A groundhog tunnel crossed the carrot area and tops were later nipped again, prompting a physical barrier and continued checks.

05

Harvest progression

One test carrot was pulled to judge size. The remaining crop was still being evaluated at the end of July.

06

Companion record

Carrots shared the center row with onions and benefited from the same close weeding and root-zone observation.

07

Organic practices

Compost, hand weeding, shoulder checks, and a physical animal barrier were used.

08

Yield

One test harvest documented; final row yield not yet known.

What I’d change next year

Thin and measure earlier, reinforce the animal barrier before tops become attractive, and record sowing date with final root weight.

Next crop recordOnionsOnions were harvested gradually as their tops fell, ending with the last standing bulb in late July and a basement curing period.