When it comes to growing carrots, many gardeners believe the best window has already passed by May. But in reality, this month offers a fantastic opportunity to sow a second—or even primary—crop for a generous harvest later in the season. Carrots are resilient root vegetables that thrive in cooler weather, and sowing them in May can produce sweet, crisp roots just in time for late summer or autumn harvests.

Here’s how to successfully grow carrots from a May sowing and enjoy a plentiful yield.

Why May is Still a Great Time to Sow Carrots

Carrots are a cool-season crop, but that doesn’t mean they must be started early in spring. In fact, sowing in May offers several advantages:

  • Warmer soil leads to faster germination.

  • Fewer early pests, such as slugs or root maggots.

  • Improved weed control as warmer weather helps identify and remove unwanted plants quickly.

  • Better scheduling, allowing for staggered plantings and continuous harvests.

Plus, by planting in May, you’re setting yourself up for a fall harvest, when carrots are often at their sweetest due to cooler nights and slower growth.

Step 1: Choose the Right Variety

Not all carrots grow at the same speed or size. For May sowing, choose early to mid-season varieties that mature in about 70–90 days. Some excellent options include:

  • Nantes: Known for their sweet flavor and smooth texture.

  • Chantenay: Short and stout, perfect for heavier soils.

  • Amsterdam Forcing: Quick to mature and great for earlier harvests.

  • Sugarsnax or Mokum: High in beta-carotene and flavorful.

Check the seed packet for “days to maturity” to ensure your crop has enough time to develop before the first fall frost in your area.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil Well

Carrots grow best in light, loose, and stone-free soil. Hard, compacted, or rocky soil will cause the roots to fork, twist, or remain small. To prepare your bed:

  • Loosen the top 10–12 inches of soil thoroughly.

  • Remove rocks, debris, and clumps.

  • Mix in mature compost, but avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote foliage at the expense of roots.

  • If your soil is heavy clay, consider using raised beds or deep containers.

Carrots don’t like rich, wet, or crusted soil—light and well-drained is key.

Step 3: Sow the Seeds Correctly

Carrot seeds are tiny and slow to germinate, typically taking 10–20 days. Proper sowing makes a big difference:

  • Sow seeds ¼ inch deep and about 1 inch apart in rows spaced 12 inches apart.

  • Keep the soil evenly moist but not soaked during germination.

  • To retain moisture, cover the rows with burlap or a thin board until seedlings appear, then remove carefully.

  • Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to about 2 inches apart to give roots room to develop.

Thinning is crucial—crowded carrots will be small and misshapen.

Step 4: Water and Mulch Wisely

Carrots need consistent moisture, especially during root development. Uneven watering can cause roots to crack or grow irregularly.

  • Water deeply but less frequently, keeping the soil evenly moist.

  • Use a light mulch of straw or compost to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

  • Avoid overwatering, which can promote disease or rot.

During hot spells, reduce evaporation by watering in the early morning or evening.

Step 5: Monitor Growth and Care for Pests

While May-sown carrots face fewer early spring pests, you should still monitor for common threats such as:

  • Carrot rust fly: Use floating row covers to prevent egg-laying.

  • Aphids or spider mites: Control with neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.

  • Weeds: Hand-weed carefully to avoid disturbing the shallow roots.

Carrots require little maintenance beyond weeding, watering, and ensuring proper spacing.

Step 6: Harvest at the Right Time

Depending on the variety, carrots planted in May can be harvested from late July through September. To check for readiness:

  • Brush away some soil and inspect the size of the root.

  • Harvest when carrots reach the desired diameter—typically ¾ to 1 inch across.

  • Use a garden fork to gently lift them, especially in compact soil.

If you leave them in the ground into autumn, a few cool nights will enhance their natural sweetness.

Bonus Tip: Succession Planting

To extend your harvest, consider sowing a new row of carrots every 2–3 weeks throughout May and early June. This technique, called succession planting, ensures a steady supply of fresh carrots all season long.

Final Thoughts

May is not too late—it’s actually an excellent time to sow carrots for a late-season harvest. With the right variety, good soil preparation, proper spacing, and consistent care, you can enjoy crisp, flavorful carrots well into autumn. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or new to gardening, these techniques make May sowing simple and rewarding.

Get your seeds in the ground now, and enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting your own sweet, homegrown carrots later this year.

jardin