How often to water the carrots outdoors after planting?

Carrots are not very demanding on moisture, but for optimal development they really need a constant water supply. Too sharp alternations of drought and heavy watering will lead to cracking of vegetables. By far the best watering is warm and frequent rain. But if there is not enough rainfall, additional irrigation has to be applied. Its own rules and norms for irrigation exist for different periods of development, soil conditions. Increased attention is paid to moisture when sowing seeds, the appearance of the first shoots, the development of roots and root crops. In the article, we will look at how to water carrots in the open field, after planting, in a greenhouse, what are the optimal watering times.

Step-by-step instructions for growing carrots in infographics

You can see the key provisions on growing carrots in the country in our infographic ⇓

(click to enlarge)

How and when to water carrots?

Pre-sowing watering

Presowing watering of carrot beds

The timing of spring sowing largely depends on the state of natural soil moisture. In the southern zones, you need to sow early, since the soil can dry out greatly under the influence of weather conditions and delayed sowing will lead to the fact that the seedlings will be sparse or the seeds will not sprout at all.

If the soil is already dry, then a couple of days before sowing it must be saturated with moisture by sprinkling from a watering can or a hose with a nozzle.

For sowing, planting grooves are prepared, which are watered and then compacted with a board so that the seeds do not deeply suck. Some growers replace the water with a dark pink solution of potassium permanganate.

The grooves with the planted seeds are sprinkled with a mixture of sand and peat and again tamped slightly, then covered with polyethylene or a special material to retain moisture. The film is removed after the first shoots appear.

Post-sowing watering

Watering well before sowing is essential. If they are neglected and the soil is watered only after the seeds have been planted, they can be washed out with water. In addition, the ground will get wet unevenly, a crust will instantly form on the surface, which will prevent the seedlings from developing normally.

If, nevertheless, it is not possible to produce pre-sowing watering, then water the planted seeds only with a watering can in small portions, but daily, until the first shoots appear. The main thing here is to provide the seeds with a sufficient amount of moisture, regularly keeping the soil moist.

To be able to carry out targeted watering, radish or lettuce seeds are mixed with stagnant carrot seeds, they quickly hatch and mark the rows. This will allow the first weeding of weeds "blindly" so that they do not absorb moisture and nutrients, do not drown out the emerging young carrot sprouts.

Watering during the growth of young plants

Until a sufficient root system is formed, carrots are very demanding on moisture, but absolutely cannot tolerate its stagnation. Young plants need regularity, but not overkill - water should not drain from the garden. Watering is best done in 2-3 steps, checking to what depth the moisture has penetrated in order to prevent waterlogging.

So that the top layer does not dry out and is not taken by a crust, after rain or watering, carefully loosen the row spacings.

Watering in the grooves during the growth of young plants

Watering in the phase of root crops formation

If earlier watering was frequent, but relatively small in volume, then with the growth of root crops the frequency of watering decreases, and the volume of water increases. As the plants mature, as well as in extreme heat, they are watered with an even larger volume, bringing the amount of moisture to 15-20 liters per 1 sq. M.

Please note: watering on hot days is carried out only in the late evening hours or early in the morning. Do not water the carrots in the sun - the moisture will quickly evaporate, overheating the plants, there is a possibility of sunburn. In addition, if the water is cold, vegetables will be shocked and may stop growing altogether.

Watering the formed plants

When the plant is fully formed, watering can be reduced to a minimum, and 3 weeks before harvesting, if there is no severe drought, it can be stopped altogether.

But a few days before harvesting, if the soil is excessively dry, it is necessary to water the beds, slightly wetting the ground. This will make it easier to dig up the root crop without damage.

Watering rates for carrots

You need to learn how to correctly determine the norms for watering carrots

Watering rates for carrots are very dependent on the growing season, weather conditions, soil conditions, even the variety. Gardeners should learn to independently determine the needs of vegetables for water, having a good idea of ​​the phases of their development, understanding the degree of soil moisture.

See table 1 for the approximate number of waterings by month. The given data are calculated for weather without sufficient rainfall, for mid-season varieties.

The number of watering carrots and the rate of water consumption, tab. # 1

Culture	May		June		July		August
	Number of waterings	Norm l / sq.m	Number of waterings	Norm l / sq.m	Number of waterings	Norm l / sq.m	Number of waterings	Norm l / sq.m
Carrot	6-8	5-6	4-6	10-12	4	12-15	1-2	5-6

Advice#1: Whether emergency watering is required for carrots can be determined by the appearance of the tops - if it becomes dark green and begins to wither and curl, then this is a sign of a great dryness of the soil and oppression of plants. In this case, watering is urgently needed, at least in 2-3 doses, at short intervals.

Watering with fertilizing carrots

On sufficiently fertilized soil, several waterings of carrots, combined with simultaneous feeding, will be required during growth. For this, fertilizers dissolved in water are used, after which obligatory loosening is performed.

The nutrient solution is prepared at the rate of a 10 liter bucket per 1-1.5 square meters or 20 running meters of a row. It is not recommended to apply top dressing directly under the root, it is better to use grooves laid at a distance of 5-9 cm from the carrot row.

Advice#2: In the phase of carrot formation, it is important to add a little ash infusion (10% of the total volume) to the water for irrigation. Ash is a natural potash fertilizer and protects vegetables from diseases and harmful insects.

Norms and terms:

1. The first fertilizing watering is carried out after the initial thinning.
2. The second is combined with the second thinning.
3. The third feeding is at the beginning of August. At this time, grown root crops need potassium, it will give them sugar content and allow them to ripen well.

Approximate doses of fertilizers for feeding carrots, tab. # 2

Top dressing carrots	Ammonium nitrate, g / 10 l of water	Superphosphate, g / 10 l of water	Potassium chloride, g / 10 l of water
The first	20-25	30	20
The second	—	30	30
Third	—	—	30

Mulching and watering carrot beds

Planting carrots with hay mulching

Mulching reduces watering and makes carrot beds easier to care for. In this case, the soil is covered with a layer of mulch of 6-9 cm, which can be: peat, sawdust, humus, compost, straw cutting, film, mulch paper, etc. (see → The best ways to mulch carrots in the garden)

Pros of using:

• A layer of mulch reduces evaporation by keeping moisture in the soil;
• When watering, a crust does not form, which means that loosening is not needed, which reduces labor costs;
• Weeds are suppressed in growth;
• Carrots for mulch can be planted a couple of weeks earlier;
• Mulch from peat, humus will give excellent nutrition to plants, contributing to their development and productivity, and mulch from straw or sawdust can be additionally fertilized for the same purposes.

Please note that waterlogged areas with high groundwater levels cannot be mulched.

Answers to pressing questions about growing carrots

With proper care and watering, carrots grow even

Question number 1.When growing carrots, it turned out with abundant fringe from roots overgrown on all sides, it tasted a little bitter. Why did it happen?

Answer.Such a "fringe" on carrots is obtained if the roots grew on rather heavy, clayey soils, where water stagnates in the upper layer, and a crust forms after watering. The plant grows overgrown with additional roots, trying to find access to air for normal development, while losing its taste.

It is necessary to deal with such a phenomenon, firstly, by improving the soil with the addition of sand, peat, and secondly, loosen it constantly after each rainfall or irrigation.

Question number 2.Why did the carrots grow crooked?

Answer.It is possible that excessively heavy, rocky soil was the cause. An additional point could be the lack of sufficient watering, loosening. The soil in the bed was too dense and the root crop was forced to bend as it grew.

Question number 3.What to do to prevent the root crops from cracking?

Answer.A common cause of carrot cracking is heavy shock watering after severe drought. Water the plants several times, allowing the water to absorb well each time. The second reason is excess moisture during the growing season, so reduce the amount of water when watering.

Question number 4.Can the beds be watered with well water?

Answer.Watering with such water is not recommended without preliminary heating in the sun. Water can be collected in special containers, barrels, homemade reservoirs. In addition, well water can contain a large amount of salts, which after standing

usually precipitate, it does not need to be used for watering. Thus, the soil will not be excessively salted.

Question number 5.What is the best way to carry out post-sowing watering of carrots?

Answer.The method of sprinkling with the help of a watering can or a hose with the smallest nozzle is best suited, the norm is 2 liters per 1 sq. M.

Reviews of experienced gardeners

Watering carrot beds along the grooves using a hose with a nozzle

From my experience, I can see that correct watering is of decisive importance for the correct formation of carrots. If someone complains that he has grown a lot of crooked, small, horned root crops, I immediately ask a question about watering methods. And in most cases, the answer disappoints me.

But there are no special secrets!

Many years of experience have shown that the main thing is the regularity of providing the beds with moisture, and with moderation, without excesses. And the harvest will delight, and the vegetables will be sweet and even, as in the selection.

The basic rule is to water the grooves with settled water heated in the sun. I make them as soon as the first beacons emerge - lettuce seeds, which I sow along with carrots.Then I always water only along these grooves, and not along the emerging sprouts or gradually maturing plants.

I break the beds rather narrow, but long and plant seeds across the length, cut the grooves parallel to the rows of carrots, so it is more convenient to look after them. The depth of the groove is small at first, up to 5-6 cm, and then I gradually deepen it to 10 cm.

I water it with a hose with a nozzle at the end in the form of a watering can. I fill the groove to the brim, and so on several times, until the earth is fully nourished.

How to avoid mistakes when watering carrots?

Mistake # 1... Some vegetable growers like to grow carrots in high beds, considering it more useful and aesthetic, but this is far from always justified. Only lands with excessive natural moisture need to be equipped with raised beds.

Please note: it is advisable to make high ridges for carrots with a close standing of groundwater, in lowlands, on heavy soils, so the earth will dry out and ventilate faster. In all other cases, carrots are grown on level ground or on low ridges, otherwise watering will have to be significantly increased due to the rapid evaporation of moisture from the soil. This will increase labor costs, and if additional watering is impossible, it will negatively affect the development of root crops.

Mistake # 2... Carrot roots have a very thickened center, woody, fibrous and not tasty.

To get tasty and even root vegetables, watering should be regular and moderate. If the soil is too dry or waterlogged, then the vegetables will turn out to be unsuccessful and will be poorly stored.

Mistake # 3... If there is a delay in watering, a very dry land is immediately watered with large volumes of water.

Intensive watering of too dry land should not be done - root crops can slow down growth, crack. Do not try to immediately flood too dry soil as much as possible. Compensate for the lack of moisture gradually - water a little for the first time, about 3 liters of water per 1 sq. M. Take your time, wait for it to be well absorbed. On the second day, increase the volume to 6 liters, and then to 10 liters if necessary, until the soil regains normal moisture.

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Since ancient times, carrots have been considered a healthy and tasty culture. Its bright color and sweetish taste make it indispensable in the culinary arts. And thanks to the richness of vitamins and minerals, the vegetable takes its rightful place among healthy foods.

As a garden culture, carrots are not too whimsical and capricious. With proper planting and regular good care, you can reap a rich harvest, and dishes from this root vegetable will become an indispensable dish on your table.

How to properly plant this vegetable in the ground? Do I need to water the carrots after planting? What actions need to be taken for its full growth and productivity? Let's find out.

Carrot. What is this fruit?

In short, carrots are a two-year-old root crop that has a high yield and a fairly long shelf life. However, to achieve this, it needs to be looked after.

True, good care is also not enough. So that the vegetable does not lose its freshness and attractiveness for a long time, so that it has pleasant taste and characteristics, it must first be properly planted in the ground.

Before boarding

Before asking the question "how to water carrots after planting", you need to carefully prepare for such an important matter.

The place reserved for this culture should be sunny and open. It is best to plant carrots after cucumbers, tomatoes, cabbage, potatoes, onions. This should be done in April-May, when warm days have already established, and the soil has warmed up to eight degrees above zero.

The land must be loosened and fertilized in advance, and the seeds must be soaked for early germination.

Actions during planting root crops

Then on the beds it is necessary to make shallow grooves, water them with water and put seeds in them. They should not be placed too close to each other. It is enough to maintain one or two centimeters between a pair of seeds.

Do I need to water the carrots immediately after planting? It is desirable. It is even recommended to cover the sowing site with foil or unnecessary things. Thus, the moisture necessary for culture will remain in the ground.

Remember that when watering newly sown seeds, it is better not to use a hose - the powerful pressure of the jet can wash valuable grains from under the ground cover.

Further care for carrots

How often should carrots be watered after planting? It is very important not to overdo it here.

Of course, if the summer is rather rainy, then the extra liquid will become unnecessary for the orange fruit. However, in dry season, life-giving moisture will benefit both growth and the taste of carrots.

It is important to water regularly and little by little, and it is recommended to use a spray can. It is also necessary to ensure that the soil moisture is at the same level. Why is it important?

How often are carrots watered after planting? Life-giving moisture and life-giving, that the fertility of the soil depends on it. If it is too dry, the fruit will grow stale and bitter. If the ground is constantly wet, then the root crop will become clumsy, ugly and tasteless.

Specific watering frequency

Let's take a look at how to water the carrots after planting throughout their ripening period.

In the first month, it is important to subject the vegetable to regular watering every five days, since during this period there is an active formation of roots. The next month, the root crop should be watered only four to five times in the morning and evening.

After the large green tops have formed completely, the carrots should be watered again more often, as in the first month.

In August, the root crop is no longer subjected to abundant water procedures. They can be done in a week and a half, since the vegetable has almost taken shape and gained the necessary mass.

What kind of water to use?

Many avid gardeners are interested not only in the question of how to properly water the carrots after planting, but also in what kind of water it needs to be done.

Of course, the best moisture for irrigation is warm rainwater. Therefore, you can collect rainwater in large containers and warm it slightly in the sun before use. However, summer can be dry, so carrots can be watered with settled (during the day) water from a well or spring.

What else should you consider when deciding how to water your carrots after planting?

First of all, it should be remembered that water alone may not be enough for a vegetable, so it is worth feeding it with a special solution. How and when to do it?

Wet top dressing of carrots

A month after the first shoots, the root crop should be thinned out. To do this, leave a distance of two to three centimeters between the shoots, after which the bed is abundantly moistened with complex feeding.

How to cook it? Put a spoonful of potassium magnesium and urea on a bucket of water. Or they dilute slurry (in a proportion of one to fifteen) and water the soil with it.

The next feeding of the plant is carried out three to four weeks after the second thinning. The distance between root crops should be leveled to four to five centimeters, and top dressing should be done after abundant irrigation with water.

How to fertilize the soil this time? You can use a potassium sulfate solution (two tablespoons per bucket) or ash infusion (half a liter of ash per bucket). Calculate the preparation of the make-up so that five liters of ready-made liquid are consumed per meter of an ordinary bed in length.

In early August, the root crop should be fed again using the same means as the second time.

End of watering: when?

However, many are interested not only in how to water the carrots after planting in the ground, but also in the question of when to finish watering.

There is no definite answer to it.It all depends on the weather conditions and the rate of fruit ripening.

If you see that the carrots have already grown enough, and it is rainy weather outside, then you should not water the vegetable on short clear days. If the root crop is already almost formed, but the air is hot from the heat, it is worth continuing irrigation until harvesting.

At the same time, remember that each carrot should be watered so that the water penetrates under the soil to the depth of the entire fruit (twenty-five to thirty centimeters).

So, we have decided on the watering schedule. Now how do you know if each root vegetable is getting enough nutrient moisture? This requires some small calculations.

Specific watering rates for carrots

The chart “How to water carrots after planting” (by month) is very simple and easy to use. Here is a summary of it.

In May, it is necessary to water the beds 6-8 times at the rate of five to six liters per square meter.

In June, the number of liters per square meter increases to ten to twelve, while the number of procedures decreases to four to six.

In July, the total number of liters increases again, already up to twelve - fifteen, while the number of irrigations decreases to four.

In August, the volume and quantity of irrigation are sharply reduced to indicators of five - seven and one or two, respectively.

What is crop mulching

Mulching is an important way to maintain soil moisture after watering. What is it and what is it eaten with?

Mulching is the covering of the land surface. When the crop has risen sufficiently above the ground, its roots (or root crops) should be carefully covered with organic or inorganic mulch. What does this include?

Organic mulch is a natural material from foliage, grass, hay, pine needles, bark, sawdust. Inorganic is pebbles, gravel, polyethylene, and so on.

It is best to use organic mulch, as it becomes a plant fertilizer when rotted. But there are also disadvantages here. This coating attracts unpleasant insects, larvae and worms. It also deteriorates and needs to be replaced.

What are the benefits of mulching carrots?

1. Moisture is retained in the soil.
2. The number of weeds is reduced.
3. Soil erosion is prevented, its friability is preserved.
4. Overheating of the soil in summer and freezing in winter is prevented.
5. Helps prevent pests, infections and diseases from entering the soil and plant roots.
6. This saves you time by reducing the number of irrigations and the amount of liquid used.

If you decide to use mulch, it is important to remember that it needs to be changed several times per season. In addition, in order to thin out the root crop and fluff the soil around it, you should carefully remove the previously laid mulch and, possibly, renew it.

So, we already know how to properly water the carrots, what and when. Now let's get acquainted with the common mistakes gardeners make when caring for this root crop.

Avoid unnecessary mistakes

The most important mistake of amateur summer residents is irregular or too abundant watering. This can happen due to the fact that inexperienced gardeners are trying to save time, therefore, they either fill the garden bed so that the fruits rot, or they forget about it for a long time, as a result, the vegetable dries up. To avoid this, it is necessary to draw up a specific watering schedule for each crop separately and adhere to it.

If the soil is already dry, then it is necessary to restore its moisture slowly and gradually.

Another mistake can be a high bed. Remember, carrots should be planted on a flat surface to get enough moisture and oxygen. However, if the garden is located in a swampy area, then arranging high beds will only benefit carrots.

Another mistake, as we have already said, is the use of a hose.This method of irrigation can damage not only carrots, but all other vegetables and even fruit crops.

As you can see, it is very important to water your vegetables and roots properly. Their taste, appearance and yield depend on this.

So, you have received comprehensive information about what, when and how to water carrots after planting (and beets, by the way, too, because this is also a root vegetable). Caring for vegetables is a serious and time-consuming business, but you will be rewarded for the care in full.

Rich and tasty harvests for you!

Carrots are one of the most used vegetables in the kitchen of our housewives. It is simply impossible to imagine our traditional dishes without her. That is why most gardeners and gardeners, even in small areas, are trying to grow at least a few beds of their ecologically clean root crops. However, carrots are not an undemanding vegetable. This is especially true of such an important component of caring for vegetables as watering. But we will tell you whether to water the carrots after planting and how to carry out this procedure so that beautiful and tasty root crops grow on your beds.

Do I need to water the carrots after planting?

Of course, good soil and sufficient sunlight are essential ingredients for any vegetable to emerge and grow vigorously. But no agricultural crop will be able to produce a crop in the absence of a sufficient amount of moisture. This also applies to carrots. And this is despite the fact that carrots can be called a rather drought-resistant crop. But at the same time, it was noticed that with an insufficient amount of moisture in the soil, the core and peel of the vegetable becomes coarse. And this cannot but affect the taste of the root crop - it becomes bitter and sluggish. In addition, in prolonged dry weather, root crops grow small. However, it is important not to overflow the beds with carrots - with an excessive amount of moisture, the tops of the vegetable actively grow, and the roots themselves do not grow sufficiently. That is why it is important to know how often to water the carrots after planting in order to eventually reap a good harvest.

How often should carrots be watered after planting?

In general, watering is necessary and important at almost all stages of carrot growth. The beds are most intensively watered after the seeds have been planted to accelerate their germination. The drip irrigation system is considered the best, but the rain method is also suitable, or ordinary watering from a hose with a small pressure of water. It is important that the moisture of the earth persists for a long time, and does not evaporate, and after all, carrot seeds sprout for a rather long time - one and a half to two weeks. Therefore, many experienced gardeners recommend covering the beds with film or mulch (hay, chopped grass) before sprouting.

The next time the area where the carrots grow is watered when the first shoots appear in the rows and also watered intensively.

In the future, when thinking about when to water the carrots after planting during the period of intensive growth of seedlings, keep in mind that the plant needs moisture approximately every four to five days on sunny warm days. If we talk about the volume of water, then the norm is about 4-5 liters for each m & sup2. A little later, the frequency of watering can be increased to six to seven days. For each square meter, up to 20-25 liters of water are used. Please note that watering is also needed after each thinning of the carrot beds.

First, a root system develops in carrots, then it forms and the root crop itself. That is why it is important to systematically water, and not from time to time, when it comes to mind. The fact is that if you water the area with carrots regularly, the root crop will develop evenly and acquire a beautiful shape and good taste. Otherwise, when watering in the beds is carried out after a long drought, the carrots may crack and become bitter.Which, of course, cannot but affect the presentation of the vegetable and its taste. Pour the soil, where a rather considerable root crop already grows, should be poured to a depth of 25-30 cm.

Please note that the last watering of the carrot beds is recommended approximately three weeks before harvest.

Carrots do not belong to whimsical crops, however, there is one condition on which its yield and taste depends - watering the carrots. When caring for plants, it is not enough just to water the garden on time. Here you must adhere to many rules regarding the frequency of watering, temperature and water consumption rates. In this article, we will talk about how to water carrots outdoors to get smooth and tasty root vegetables.

How to grow

Carrots can be grown anywhere as long as they are planted in good soil and properly watered. Not only the correct development, but also the taste of root crops depends on the quality of the soil and the location of the garden. The planting site should be sunny and well ventilated. If this condition is not met, then instead of juicy, sweet and crunchy carrots, tough roots of dubious taste grow, which are popularly called "fodder".

The soil for planting carrots should be loose and nutritious. Sandy loam or medium loamy soils with a high humus content and neutral acidity are perfect. This composition can be achieved by introducing organic matter: compost or dry humus at the rate of 1 bucket / 1 m². In loamy soil, in addition to organic matter, sawdust (3 l / 1 m²) or coarse sand should be added - these materials will make the earth looser. To improve the taste of root crops, any potash fertilizer, including wood ash, should be added to the soil.

Carrots are among those plants for which the planting time does not have strict restrictions. It can be planted in early spring (for winter storage), before winter (to get early vegetables), or in June for eating young root vegetables in late summer. In all cases, the seeds are sown directly into the soil. Carrots tolerate cold well. It can be sown when the ground warms up to 8 ° C, and dug out at late planting before frost.

Subject to all planting rules, further carrot care is not difficult. It is only necessary to loosen the aisles, remove weeds and water on time. But even these activities can be avoided by mulching the beds. There are many benefits to using mulch on carrots. Its main purpose is to maintain soil moisture, but, in addition, mulch creates a favorable microclimate for plants, being at the same time a shelter and fertilizer. Any organic material (peat, dry humus, sawdust, straw) or black film (agrotextile) can be used as mulch.

Video "Cultivation stages"

From the video you will learn how to grow carrots correctly and in stages.

How and when to water

Watering is important and necessary for carrots at all stages of their development, but this procedure is not as simple as it seems at first glance. It is very important to always maintain the moisture content of the soil at the same level, since changes in either direction can lead to damage to root crops:

• with insufficient moisture, carrots grow rough, with a hard light middle, neutral, and sometimes bitter taste;
• with an excess of moisture, root crops can stop their growth, become clumsy and ugly, and all useful substances will begin to go into the tops.

To prevent this from happening, you need to water the bed at the same time intervals and with approximately the same amount of water. Water consumption rates will vary depending on the stage of development of root crops, but the principle is always the same - irrigation is carried out at regular intervals.

How often to water the carrots? At first, the plants are actively forming roots, so the need for irrigation is high, but waterlogging should not be allowed. Within a month, the garden bed must be watered at least 6 times (1 time / 5 days). It is better to distribute the entire volume of water for 2-3 doses, periodically checking the depth of soil moisture. After each watering, the soil surface must be loosened so that a crust does not form.

When the roots have formed, the plants will begin to build up green mass. At this time, you need to water less often (4-5 times during the month). After the tops are formed, the roots will begin to gain mass and the need for watering will increase again. Starting from August, the frequency of procedures will decrease, since by this time the roots have already formed and gained weight - it remains only to ripen.

When it comes to water quality, warm rainwater is best for carrots. In the absence of rain, irrigation is carried out exclusively with settled water. Even if the water is from a well, it can be used for irrigation only after a day, during which all harmful impurities will sink to the bottom, and the water itself will be heated to room temperature.

Pre-sowing watering

The need for this event is determined by the timing of the landing. If carrots are sown in early spring, then the soil is still well moistened with melt water, and does not need additional watering. In the southern regions, the soil dries out faster, especially if the winter was without snow. In this case, the top layer must be moistened before sowing, but this must be done very carefully so that the soil does not become too wet. To avoid waterlogging, you need to excavate the soil before watering, and determine the depth to which watering should be done.

For summer and autumn planting, the garden bed must be well watered a few days before sowing the seeds. A watering can will not be enough here, it is better to use a hose with a spray nozzle. In the summer heat, the soil surface can dry out again - in this case, you still need to water the furrows in which the seeds are sown.

After planting, it is recommended to sprinkle the seeds with a thin layer of peat mixed with sand - this mixture will help keep moisture in the furrows longer. If it rained heavily on the eve of sowing, there is no need for pre-sowing watering - the soil will remain wet for a long time anyway.

Post-sowing watering

Such an event only makes sense if the bed was not moistened before planting. Watering the beds immediately after sowing is unsafe, as the running water can wash the seeds out. From this point of view, pre-sowing watering is preferable. If for some reason it was not possible to water the bed before sowing, then, of course, this must be done after sowing using a watering can with a fine nozzle. Since the seeds are sown shallowly (1-1.5 cm), the water jet should be sprayed so as not to disturb the integrity of the row.

Irrigation rates

It is very difficult to determine uniform norms for watering carrots. Water consumption and the frequency of procedures depend on many factors: the growing season, weather, soil conditions and even the variety. If we talk about average figures, then at the initial stage of growth, 4-5 liters of water / 1 m2 of planting area are considered the norm. By month it looks like this:

• in May, when shoots begin to appear, the rates increase: within a month, 6-8 waterings should be carried out at the rate of 5-6 l / 1 m² of the garden;
• for June, this figure is already 10-12 liters, and the number of procedures should be at least 4-6.
• during July, only 4 waterings should be carried out, but in the amount of 12-15 l / 1 m²;
• since August, the rate begins to decline: this month, only 1-2 irrigations are enough with a water consumption of 5-6 liters per meter;
• Watering should be stopped 2-3 weeks before harvesting, but just before harvesting, the garden bed can be slightly moistened to make it easier to dig up the roots.

Carrots prefer liquid root dressing, so irrigation can be combined with fertilization. It is recommended to feed carrots with liquid solutions of mullein, ammonium nitrate, superphosphate. In order not to burn the roots, it is better to apply fertilizers in small furrows in the aisles - in moist soil, nutrients will quickly reach the roots. In the phase of formation of root crops, it is recommended to water the plants with a solution of ash, from this they will become much tastier.

Errors

Very often, even with the observance of the basic rules of agricultural technology, root crops grow of poor quality simply because the vegetable grower did not attach importance to the little things, and did not figure out how to properly water the carrots in the garden. The most common mistakes include:

1. Irregular watering. It may happen that there was no time for watering, and the soil was dry. If after this you make abundant watering, then the roots will crack, which will lead to the loss of not only presentation, but also taste. To avoid this, it is necessary to restore moisture gradually, and it is better not to allow such a situation.
2. Arrangement of high beds. Modern gardeners use this technique for any crop, but carrots should be planted on a flat surface. The exception is constantly weeping areas with a close location of groundwater. In other cases, root crops will lack moisture and oxygen, which will affect their quality.
3. Some summer residents use water for irrigation directly from the column by attaching a hose to it. You should know that such watering is harmful not only for carrots, but also for all other crops, from flowers to fruit trees. Water for irrigation, even the cleanest, must be poured into containers where it can be heated and cleaned of salts.

Do not neglect these simple rules so that you do not later regret wasted time, because what can be more offensive than losing a crop shortly before harvesting it.

Video "Correct watering"

From the video you will learn how to properly water carrots.