How to Grow Carrot Early Nantes in the UK

Sow direct from March to July; protected sowings can start earlier.

Use that window as a practical starting point rather than a fixed deadline. In colder or exposed areas, delay outdoor sowing and planting; in mild sheltered areas, the earlier end of the range may work. Tender crops should remain protected until frost risk has passed.

Sowing Indoors

Carrots dislike transplanting, so do not start them in ordinary modules. For an early crop, sow directly into the final container under glass or a cloche.

Sowing Outdoors

Sow Carrot Early Nantes thinly about 1cm deep in prepared, stone-free soil. Water the drill before sowing and avoid handling foliage unnecessarily when thinning, as the scent can attract carrot fly.

Thin to 3–5cm for smaller roots or 5–7.5cm for maincrop carrots. Keep rows 20–30cm apart in beds; in pots, use a staggered grid.

Before planting outside, harden off indoor-raised plants over 7–10 days unless the crop is fully hardy and already accustomed to outdoor conditions. Water the planting hole or container first and avoid leaving young roots exposed to sun or wind.

Water during dry spells, especially in containers, but avoid switching between bone-dry and saturated conditions. Fresh compost usually supplies enough food; excessive nitrogen produces leafy, forked roots.

Variety note: Use fine, stone-free soil and cover with insect-proof mesh to reduce carrot fly damage.

Pull young roots from early summer, usually 10–14 weeks after sowing.

Expect young roots in about 10–14 weeks. Harvest in the coolest part of the day where practical and handle produce gently. Regular picking encourages continued cropping in fruiting and cut-and-come-again plants.

Spring onions, radishes and lettuce can share a nearby trough if each crop keeps enough spacing. Mesh protection and clean sowing practice are more reliable against carrot fly than companion planting.