282 The Principles of Vegetable -Gar den ing 



The late varieties may be sown as late as the middle of 

 June in the northern states. Carrots mature rather 

 slowly, and even the early varieties require from 2 to 

 2% months to bring them to edible size, unless they are 

 aided in their growth by a covering of sash. On land 



Fig. 64. Seedliugs of carrot. Natural size. 



that is to be used for late carrots, it is well to sow 

 some early stuff in the spring, as radishes, and to keep 

 the ground clean until it is needed for the carrots. The 

 early weeds will then be killed, and the young carrot 

 plants will have an opportunity to grow. In their early 

 stages, carrot plants are shallow -rooted and delicate, 

 and the tillage should be very carefully done. 



Carrots are sown in drills from 10 to 18 inches apart, depend- 

 ing largely on the variety and the method to be employed in 

 tilling. The early crop is thinned to 4 or 5 inches apart in the 

 row, and the late, large varieties to 7 or 8 inches. If it is not de- 

 sired to plant the late varieties for fall use, one may use the early 

 varieties for that purpose, sowing the seed late in July or even the 



