When is One Carrot a Whole Bunch?

Each year I've planted carrots in my floating garden. They grow well and last into late fall for harvesting. They've even survived under a light snow. I plant my garden in late March or early April, after the threat of frost has passed. I start by augmenting my soil with mulch, peat moss and steer manure. I like to wait a few weeks between the soil work and seed planting, but this year the weather didn't cooperate. I only had one week of resting before the seeds went in the ground.

Much to my surprise, when my carrots came up they were "fanged." I later learned that fresh manure is one of the main causes for fanged carrots. Another cause is rocky soil, but I don't have that problem. Fanged carrots have the root split into two or more segments. As you can see from my picture, my carrots trended towards the "more" side of the equation. Fortunately, it didn't affect the taste or texture of the carrot(s). They are fine for eating once they are trimmed up. However, they would not be good for storing. Lesson learned (the hard way). Next year I will know not to put fresh manure in my carrot bed! -- Margy