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When to plant carrots in BC?

Published in Carrot Planting BC 3 mins read

For gardeners in British Columbia, the ideal time to plant carrots largely depends on whether you're aiming for a continuous summer harvest or specific winter production. You can direct sow carrots from just after the last frost date through to late summer for harvests extending from summer into early winter.

Understanding Carrot Planting Windows in BC

To maximize your carrot yield and enjoy fresh carrots over an extended period, it's crucial to understand the two primary planting windows:

1. Spring to Late Summer Planting for Continuous Harvest

This is the main planting window for most carrot varieties and aims for a steady supply throughout the warmer months and into early winter.

  • Start Date: Begin direct sowing just after the last frost date in your specific BC region. Frost dates can vary significantly across BC (e.g., earlier in coastal areas like Vancouver Island, later in interior or northern regions).
  • End Date: Continue sowing until late summer. This ensures that you have successive crops maturing.
  • Continuous Supply: To achieve a continuous harvest, sow small batches of seeds at 3-week intervals. This prevents all your carrots from maturing at the same time, giving you a steady supply from summer right through to early winter.

2. Early August Planting for Winter Harvest (Mild Winters)

For regions in BC that experience mild winters, it's possible to plant carrots specifically for a winter harvest.

  • Specific Window: Direct sow these winter-harvest carrots during the first two weeks of August.
  • Ideal Conditions: This method is most successful where winters are mild, allowing the carrots to mature slowly and be harvested throughout the colder months. Areas with harsh, prolonged freezes may not be suitable without significant winter protection.

Key Considerations for Successful Carrot Planting

  • Soil Preparation: Carrots thrive in loose, well-drained, stone-free soil. Compacted or rocky soil can lead to stunted or misshapen roots.
  • Sunlight: Choose a location that receives full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day).
  • Watering: Consistent moisture is crucial for germination and steady growth. Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells.
  • Thinning: Once seedlings emerge, thin them to the recommended spacing (typically 1-2 inches apart) to allow room for roots to develop fully.

Summary of Carrot Planting Times in BC

Planting Type Ideal Planting Window Harvest Period Notes
Main Season/Continuous Just after the last frost date to late summer Summer through early winter Sow at 3-week intervals for continuous supply
Winter Harvest First two weeks of August Winter Suitable only where winters are mild

By following these guidelines, gardeners in British Columbia can successfully plant and harvest carrots over an extended season.