One of the weirdo ideas that has found a place in my book of goofy things that actually work is sprouting carrot seeds under a board. This is the second year I’ve done it, and I have to admit it works flawlessly (providing you pay attention around the time the seeds are due to sprout and remove the board immediately).
It took almost exactly two weeks from the time I put the seeds into the ground till they sprouted. I only had to pull out one lanky weed seedling in the 30-ish square feet of planted area. Carrots had been frustrating for me for many years, rows with large empty spaces and lots of random weeds dispersed among the seedlings.
There’s still a little more nurse-maiding to do; mulching and thinning (it’s always so hard to murder innocent young seedlings). But after that, piece of cake.
Reblogged this on Blessed Hope Homestead.
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Impressive. Is it the lack of light or the lack of oxygen? Just wondering if black plastic would work…we do quite a large space at a time and not so easy to cover with wood. Them weeds are a pain alright and I would love to try this.
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I’m sorry to say I don’t know which it is Melissa, but I’d guess lack of light. I can see where this would be a tough method to use with a large area. I’m thinking plastic might cook the seedlings if you’re a little late in noticing them sprouting. But landscape fabric looks promising (and light)…
http://tinyfarmblog.com/carrot-germination-refinement-continues/
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Thanks. I’ll check it out.
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You might still want to consider floating row cover. My carrots often are infested with maggots, and a covering is supposed to keep the flies off during their mating season.
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Good idea Deby!
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Excellent .. Pat yourself on the back 😃
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Wow Dan that is nuts but it is my kind of nuts. I’ll be trying it! Thankyou ☺
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Good luck Sarhn!
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I might try this after reading your post. I have a row which is pretty how yours were before you started putting board down. Thanks for the idea.
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Good luck Helen!
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Thank you, Dan.
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I will have to try that one. Me and carrots don’t usually do well together.
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You should. I’ve only done it two years, but it’s 2 for 2 so far.
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