By Umar Nsubuga
Before you embrack on growing carrrots, here is what you need to know.
Swizen Wamala, a resident of Kyarutale village, Kagadi district and a carrot farmer, says carrots require a cool to warm climate because the roots are sensitive to very high temperatures.
The optimum temperature for good germination is 25-30 degrees centigrade, while 16-20 degrees centigrade is essential for growth and better development of roots.
Carrots should be grown in tropical regions, which receive above 1,200mm of rainfall, with sandy well-drained soils.
Sow seeds thinly in drills used 1-1.25cm deep and 30cm apart to encourage drainage. After germination in out, spacing between 4-6cm between rows.
When the roots start swelling, put more soil around the stems to keep them cool. In hot weather, put a light shade overhead.
Carrots require a lot of potassium, apply 250kg/ha, 75-150kg/ha nitrogen and 50-100kg/ha phosphorus. Crop rotation is essential to reduce diseases and pests. Spraying with fungicides controls leaf blight.
