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Carrots: Long, slim

DISCRIPTION: This plant is cultivated for its enlarged edible root. The foliage is fine and lacy and the roots vary in size and shape; they are usually orange-red or yellow. Carrots provide carotene, which becomes Vitamin A when absorbed by the body.

PLANTING: Carrots should be cultivated on land that is free of stones . Soil should be enriched with well-rotted compost. Carrots can remain in the ground for several weeks after they are ready for harvesting, but the soil can not dry out or they may split when watered. Mature carrots can tolerate a moderate freezes if protected with straw mulch. In the North, spring-sown Carrots usually carry right through to autumn with good flavor, but in warm climates the flavor deteriorates in hot weather. In areas with harsh winters, pull up the Carrots before the ground freezes solid between layers of straw or dry leaves.

PROPAGATION: Seeds may be planted outdoors a couple of weeks before the frost free date, when the soil is dry enough to work with. Plant them thinly in straight rows that are about a foot apart; this will aid in cultivation. Cover with plastic until the seedlings peek through the soil, then remove. The seedlings can handle light frosts. Germination of the seedlings may be advanced by planting them in V-shaped furrows made by pressing into the soil with the edge of a board. Cover the seeds with a 1/4-inch of sand or sifted compost. As soon as the baby plants are large enough to grasp, thin them. Don't be shy in thinning; crowding can cause stunted and misshapen roots. When the roots are finger size, thin again. If your soil has lots of organic matter you should not have to fertilize. If you soil is sandy you need to add fish emulsion fertilizer and mulch to keep the soil moist.

VARIETIES: Carrots - Baby Fingers, Little Finger, Lady Finger. (Regular Carrots picked early lack flavor and sweetness). Round - Kundulus, Pariser Markt. Wedge-shaped - Chantenay, Forto hybrid, Tamba. Long, slim - Gold Pak (AAS).