Carrot is a root vegetable and the soil it is planted in is very important for a healthy harvest. It’s even more crucial to choose the right type of soil when planting carrots in a container or pot. Because unlike in an outdoor garden the plants are limited to the nutrients & elements provided in the potting soil.
The best soil for carrots in containers is a loose soil like sandy loam, free of rocks, well-drained, aerated but rich in micronutrients, preferably have a higher level of potassium & phosphorus, and a lower level of nitrogen with a pH level between 6.o to 6.8.
Why Carrots prefer Loose Soil?
A loose soil helps grow carrots straight down without obstruction. If carrots meet a clump or hard clayey chunks it will fork and cause it to deform. If you make your own soil mix make sure there are no rocks and break any clumps with your hand.
Why Carrots prefer Potassium-rich Soil?
Carrots prefer soil which is rich in both potassium & phosphorus as they encourage root growth. A soil richer in potassium will produce thick healthy carrots.
Why Potting soil for Carrots should have a Lower level of Nitrogen?
Excess nitrogen in the potting soil for carrots will promote vigorous growth of its foliage and can cause roots to fork or turn hairy.
Many people prefer mixing fresh cow or horse manure to their soil mix. Avoid doing this completely when preparing soil for carrots as it can overload the soil with nitrogen.
If you use any kind of compost or manure, make sure it’s aged and completely dried out.
Why Soil pH level is important for Carrots?
Soil pH has an effect on the rate at which carrot plants can leach nutrients from the soil. The pH level also has an impact on how much nutrients are made available in the soil by the bacteria breaking down organic matters in the soil.
The ideal pH level for carrots is between 6 to 6.8. However, carrots can grow well in pH level anywhere between 5.5 to 7.0. If the pH level is between 5.5 to 7.0 carrots can take in nutrients faster and grow healthy.
pH level below 5.5 is too acidic and anything over 7.0 is too alkaline for carrots. I recommend you measure your soil pH level with a pH meter before sowing seeds.
- If soil is too acidic (below 5.5) you can add dolomitic lime or wood ashes.
- If soil is too alkaline (above 7.0) you can add elemental sulfur or organic matter such as peat moss, compost, etc.
What Soil to use for Carrots in Containers?
You can certainly your own soil mix for carrots. Mix together 1 part (25%) top soil from your backyard, 1 part (25%) compost or completed rotted and dried animal manure, 1 part (25%) perlite or vermiculite or sand and 1 part (25%) coco peat or peat moss.
If you don’t have these elements lying around, it would be much easier for you to get some ready nutrient-rich potting soil. You can easily get these soil bags from your local nursery or you can order some from Amazon & get them delivered at your door.
Below are some of the best soil mix for growing carrots –
| 1. Burpee Organic Premium Potting Mix (*Our choice) |
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 – 100% Organic – Perlite, Coconut coir, Burpee plant food – More coco coir & spongy than Miracle Gro – 8 quart bags |
| Check on Amazon |
| 2. Miracle-Gro Potting Mix |
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 – Peat moss, Perlite, Coir & Fertilizer – NPK Ratio = 0.21%-0.11%-0.16% – 16 quart bags |
| Check on Amazon |
| 3. Espoma Organic Potting Mix |
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 – 35-45% Peat moss, humus and/or composted rice hulls – Perlite, limestone, earthworm castings – Yucca extract, Alfalfa meal, feather meal, kelp meal – 8 quart bags |
| Check on Amazon |
All of the above are ideal soil for growing carrots in containers, you do not really need to add additional fertilizer with them. With the right soil and proper care, you will be growing juicy and tasty carrots in no time. Good luck!
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