Tricks for Sowing Carrots- Improve Germination & Spacing

[@michaelgoff1279]

I like the greenhouse option, it let's you leave it on just a little longer so more seedlings pop up. Most impressive part of the video was how clean your stove is!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

It's only clean because it's a new stove top 😆... my old one was a crusty mess!

[@juliaderi4175]

After prepping my bed I draw a grid all over the bed with 2" squares by indenting with the edge of my yardstick. Then I plant 2 carrot seeds 🥕🥕 at each intersecting line and lightly cover with soil. Water it in, and cover the whole bed with wood boards until they start germinating. This method is easier to thin because they are perfectly spaced out from the start and I get HUNDREDS of carrots from a 4 by 11 foot bed!

[@SimonHaestoe]

Tiny?

[@MissBetsyLu]

@@SimonHaestoe very

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Sounds great!

[@AAB463]

I am trying this but it’s painstaking. I realized a few minutes ago I could take a piece of fencing that was about a 2” square configuration and it would be a lot easier. Thx for the ideas.

[@MissBetsyLu]

@@AAB463 many blessings everyone.

[@Naddrose]

Thank you for an informative video. I have been making seed tape for several years and find it to be very relaxing . I usually put one seed and get good germination .

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

How far in advance do you make your tapes? I’m curious what the ‘shelf life’ of the homemade ones are.

[@Naddrose]

I often make the seed tape in January or February and store in a dry cool place and get good germination. I am in Zone 5B. I sow my seeds in April/May.

[@juliekraft4102]

Very interesting. I have only ever use the board method,so thank you for trying these other methods,it may broaden my horizons.🤗

[@stevekelley7596]

You have a very inquisitive mind. Open to new ideas and wonderful sharing all the methods with us. Very grateful and admire you. Thanks

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you

[@islandskysara]

I can't wait to see the results! This is my first time spring sowing carrots in KY and I used a paper bag but found it would dry out too quickly so I opted for the board method. Maybe there's an easier way. It's also getting hot so soon so I may be too late already.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm excited for the results too (I've been out there every day checking to see if they've sprouted yet 😄)!

[@michaelwatkins3842]

Amazing how carrots have survived this long in nature because they are such a pain in the rear to grow. I’m subscribing so I can see how these test methods work. I use cardboard until they come up, and yeah, thinning is also a pain but better than nothing coming up. Thank you for testing and sharing!

[@PRODBYSMH]

nature finds a way!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I have a suspicion uncultivated carrots were much easier to grow! Also- like so many crops, if we were growing them in their ideal environment they wouldn't be such a struggle. My climate and soil are definitely NOT optimal for growing carrots!

[@katiedecker4644]

Can’t wait to see your results I struggle with the same. I got pelleted carrots this year so will see.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hope the pelleted seed works well for you!

[@tdubbs934]

Pelleted carrot seeds sounds like a good idea. I should get some

[@keithhilton8869]

The corn starch method looks interesting. Interesting to see your results. Cheers

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm eager for the results too!

[@missthang4982]

Thank you, I'll give anything a shot at this point. Been gardening for decades and have all but given up on carrots. I can grow almost anything but roses and carrots. Tell NO ONE!🤫 I'm gonna try every suggestion and see what works. Gratitude from, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada 🇨🇦 ✌️

[@dustyflats3832]

And for me it peonies and beets. I bought a couple new peonies last year and we’ll see. Just get leaves never a flower. Placing a cover of some sort over carrots really helps germination.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Carrots have taken me a looong time, and I still have bad years. I hope you try them again! And I don't even try to grow roses 😆

[@squadiodatamj5998]

Me too, Miss Thang! With Jenna's information and grim determination I, once again, put carrot seeds into the earth (in pots, this time) with great hopes for something edible to come of it all. Yes, decades of gardening and no carrot harvest...ever. Good luck to you, this season. Do not give up on the roses.

[@christinaw2736]

Wow! I had no idea there were so many tricks to help with this. I have only tried the board method. Can't wait to see part 2!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm excited for the results too!

[@markowen3114]

Hello dear,how’re you doing? Greetings from California 😊

[@terrykingsallotmentgardening]

I am due to start my main carrots and will be sharing my methods Jenna and maybe something that you and your viewers may try. I do the same for parsnips and carrots. First I space my carrots at 6 inches apart using a dibber to make a deep hole filling with coco coir and topping off with compost to ensure good germination and no tap root disturbance so the carrots and parsnips don't fork. 3 seeds per station and cut off two that are smaller when they show. Using the top off a large yogurt pot as the marker and then adding a juice bottle as a mini greenhouse which fits nicely into the yogurt pot top give the seedlings the best chance here in the UK. Enjoyed watching and listening Jenna. 🥕Happy gardening, Terry King.

[@shellisspace]

I like this concept, but I have a few questions. 1 why 6" apart seems very far apart for carrots. 2. I don't understand the last part with the yogurt cover and juice container and the cover fitting the juice container?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I watched CB try your method and I hope to try it some day as well! For anyone else reading, here's the link to that video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2aTdmVpqL-ghNk

[@terrykingsallotmentgardening]

@@GrowfullywithJenna 👍❤️👍

[@kalebli5502]

OH, best, and easy! You earned a subscription. And have a spectacular Saturday.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you!

[@makeyourlifeeasier5794]

So many Jenna facts my notebook ran out of space! Great job.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

😄💚

[@donnabereska674]

Thanks so much Jenna. I have tried a few of these options with varying success. As we all know though, there are so many variables in a planting/growing season it is difficult to isolate the point, or cause , of disappointment or success. My now tried and trusted method is to make indents in the soil with my mini muffin tins and plant one seed per indent - that spacing seems perfect. Like you - I don’t ever want to have to thin carrots again in my life. Important to note: I plant in a raised bed. A question though: How do you prepare your garden soil? Additives and how you schedule (beginning of planting season, end on planting season, intermittent during planting season) would be most appreciated. Thank you! Happy gardening from northern Canada where our ground is still very frozen😏

[@patriciacole8773]

Good questions!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You make a great point, Donna! There are SO many variables when it comes to anything gardening related. I wish I would have tried the muffin tin trick- maybe for my fall planting- thanks for sharing that. Regarding soil prep, this video touches on my process for my in-ground beds: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXm6hHRnhs6Fo5o But I don't have a set schedule per say. I do try to add compost or aged manure in the spring or fall, and I'm always adding natural mulches (grass clippings, leaf mulch, hay etc) throughout the year. I also focus on the use of cover crops/green manures. I generally feed with an all natural fertilizer (I like Gardens Alive's brand) at transplant time, or when direct sown seedlings are up a couple of inches (if I remember), but try to keep my use of plant food to a minimum. I've had a lot of questions about this, especially the my fertilizer 'routine' and I hope to address this in more detail in a soon to come video!

[@nancyseery2213]

Great information and so many options! Can't wait until we get the results.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I can't wait either!

[@curiouscat4377]

Always one of the best and thoughtful channels. Thanks for sharing!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Wow, thank you!

[@laurielyon1892]

I can't wait to see the results from the germination. I'm in Illinois and it's getting close to when I will plant my carrots. I'm thinking of trying the cornstarch thing, but also using the cardboard on top since I don't have extra boards lying around.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I know! I'm excited to see the results too! If you try the cornstarch trick I'd love to hear how it goes for you!

[@eduardoflores6736]

Thank you very much for your video...I followed your advice and now I hope to harvest my carrots...🥰🥕🥕🥕🥕🥕

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I hope you get a great harvest!

[@richardliles4415]

Thank you, you’ve given me what I think would be a great idea for my carrots, which I will be planting in the next two days.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Happy planting!

[@traceydysert6096]

Thank you for the video. Really liked the different ways of trying to start carrots. Last year was my first time growing carrots in a raised bed and several hundred of them! We bought a seeding square to help keep the carrots to the correct spacing. It worked very well! I got mine off of Amazon for around $20. I'm pretty sure we had about 70% germination and had a very good crop for my first time growing carrots.

[@timschultztellstruth]

Wow, love your presentation and your garden tips. You have a very kind and welcoming spirit. I’m in MN so I follow you and the MIgardner for tips and tricks. I’m jealous as my wife of 25 years has no interest in gardening. So I’m giving up this year. Your husband appears to be a very lucky man.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

So nice of you!

[@wingrider1004]

Wow -- you are REEEEEEALLY patient!

[@bdwon]

You're at the top your game today, Jenna!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

😀

[@shellisspace]

Can't wait to see the results! I'm planting mine soon and need the best method cuz I have really struggled in the past. My plan was to try the pregermination. I did the cornstarch slurry last year and had the best germination ever but still needed to do a lot of thinning

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm glad to hear the cornstarch worked well for you! My pre-germed seeds are the only ones already up-- which is very exciting!

[@soulstalgiarecords77740]

Wow, lots of awesome ideas... But I think the seed and sand method will be my go-to-method in the future. Great video. Many thanks, from South Africa...

[@JulesGardening]

Fun stuff! I like that pre-germ and place the towel technique. But all of it is interesting. Thanks Jenna! Good stuff.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

So far those pre-germed seeds are the only ones up!

[@JulesGardening]

@@GrowfullywithJenna cool! Know anything about rutabaga? I have a had slow time of it. Sown in February and just slowly slowly. Everything else is doing fine in that bed.

[@joshuatheregularguy8974]

Digging the Revere Ware pan you used with the cornstarch. 😉 Very nice!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Wow-- good catch!

[@brianrogers7543]

Such great video Julia, it is so thorough and so helpful. I’ve tried growing carrots but never really new what I was doing and always failed to germinate. Your helpful tips and methods seem like a good place for me to start and try again! Thank you🙏

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you- glad it was helpful!

[@annedewinnaar3285]

Great video, thank you! I've used hessian (burlap) a few times now and I find it easier than the board. It keeps the moisture in better and is easier to monitor the growth. Wood also often has chemicals impregnated in it so I avoid wood pieces.

[@steverobinson5492]

Nice job Jenna. I have used the corn starch gel method. And interestingly we pre-germed the seed prior to adding to the gel. Worked well, but I have found a lot of these methods time consuming. Now back to simply sowing the normal drill and thinning as necessary. I have to admit that the fall back method is more testimony to how disorganized I can be. I will have to rethink and revisit some of these techniques.....Thanks!!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I debated pre-germing the seed added to the gel, so I'm glad to hear from someone else who's done it!

[@MarianOKane-d6e]

Thank you so much for this video. Didn't know about the corn starch method,must give it a go.

[@tbluemel]

I sow carrots differently and have had excellent germination and no thinning. To start, I made what I call a "multi-dibbler." This consists of a piece of plywood in which I inserted & glued 1/2" pegs every 3 inches. Mine has 7 rows pegs with about 12 pegs each. I painted the dibbler to prevent soil from sticking to it. I lay down about 1 to 2 inches of a peat-based seed starting soil, wet it it thoroughly and then press the dibbler into the seed starting soil, creating perfectly spaced divets. I place 1 seed in each divet and then cover the seeds with finely sifted seed starter soil. I gently wet them well and cover with cardboard. The peat-based (could be coconut coir, too) holds the water well, keeping the seeds moist, so I typically don't have to water more than once a day or every 2 days. When the seedings begin to appear, I remive the cardboard and voila - carrots begin. I estimate my success rate is about 95% and now, I never thin them.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Clever! Thanks for sharing!

[@tbluemel]

@@GrowfullywithJenna By the way, Jenna, I love your KZbin channel and videos! Thank you!

[@dustyflats3832]

Lol, I made seed tape this year. After awhile I was wondering if thinning would be easier😅We’ll see how it goes. Look forward to seeing your results. I’ve used vinyl siding to shade rows and it worked, but they can slide around. So hopeful we will get to irrigation and using leftover PEX line. This would be the single most important time and work saver for me and my sand. I use rain from collection tanks when we have it and put a filter screen on pump. It takes me a long time to water and the heat of the day sets in before I can finish. Those hot days zap the moisture faster than I can put it down.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Smart idea shading them. I’m starting to think I should’ve hooked up my irrigation system now. This weather got really warm, really fast and now I’m struggling to keep the carrot bed watered!

[@dustyflats3832]

@@GrowfullywithJenna yes, it gets hotter earlier every year. However, we are going back to freezing and possibly snow by Monday in WI. Sigh. We never get a proper cool moist spring. Very difficult to grow cool weather vegetables and found broccoli does better as a fall crop. I’ve planted onion seedlings in hooped beds because I need the GH space, but I caution everyone to hold off even though we will have late June weather. I didn’t put potatoes in yet because I want to harvest later, but they need to go in as they have really sprouted. I’m trying not to let this crazy weather trick me and then I will be crazy running around covering everything. Reason I’m going back to long rows with hoops to easily cover, in which I’m digging cover out today. Every year we would plant potatoes on Good Friday and every year we would be chasing to cover and still some froze. So maybe wait for irrigation or at least don’t run it yet so it doesn’t freeze.

[@ellensedge1898]

The soil you are planting those carrots in must be pristine and deep, those 8 inch carrots came out easily with a little wiggle and tug...I'm so jelly!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I filled my raised beds with carrots in mind, so the soil mix is much sandier/looser than my in-ground beds! My in-ground carrots don't come out like that.

[@joyhamilton4248]

First time carrot growers here!! Hubby and I are having the best time setting up our forever home gardens in zone 8a NC. We want to grow carrots for a fall crop so fingers crossed!! I think we are going to try the cardboard cover. Can’t wait to follow along with your experiment.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

That is awesome!

[@illustr8life863]

Great ideas! Thank you for sharing! I use a Sow Perfect Seeder and cover seedlings with a strip of old ag fabric and keep it moist. The sow perfect seeder really does space them perfectly and quickly! One of my favorites for direct sowing. Looking at those neat little rows makes me happy. My garden could fit on a postage stamp compared to yours though. May not be as useful in a huge garden space with thousands of carrots.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I’ll have to look into that seeder! I’ve tried various other seeders with no luck… but this one might be worth a shot. Thanks!

[@dustyflats3832]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Hollis and Nancy in FL use a seeder and pelleted seeds. They grew beautiful carrots. Of course the Black Cow, bone/blood meal and irrigation helps, but they have pure white sand. They make all their gardening look so easy.

[@lindag4484]

I planted my carrots yesterday...saw this video today...bummer. I had never heard of the cornstarch method of planting carrot seeds. Looks like fun! I would like to have tried it this year. c'est le vie...next year.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm glad to hear you got them planted, Linda!

[@brianseybert2189]

I make carrot seed tape in the winter, something to do in January. When I plant out in the garden I found that leaf mold holds the moisture better than anything else. I am sure there are worm castings in it because my leaf mold bin is always full of worms. Enjoy your videos! Stay Well!!!!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

That's a great idea!

[@fedupwithem6208]

I like to use composite boards over anything I plant from seed outdoors, as they don't mold or absorb moisture. I like plastic bucket lids for other things like beets that I plant in groups. Very nice videos, I'm going to sub.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Very smart idea! Thank you for sharing!

[@lindag4484]

I was into my raised beds today and, hallelujah! ...my soil looks great! I thought I over-did-it when I added quite a bit of mulched maple leaves last fall. I plucked out a few raggedy, leafy clumps and dug around a little with a trowel. It looks like much of it has broken down enough to just leave it there. There were loads of worms! Evidently, they loved the leafy matter through the winter. I'll need to thin my carrots this year. Maybe next year I won't have to if I try the cornstarch method. Looking forward to your thoughts on it once it has all germinated.

[@amandakelly8793]

Can’t wait to watch the results!!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I’m excited to see how they turn out!

[@randyschaefman420]

Thank you for all your Great Advice. I really enjoy your videos and knowledge

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you!

[@faithsrvtrip8768]

I have made the gel. It's easy and not hard. You really can see the seeds. I covered with damp cardboard and kept the soil moist. Oh and I grew in a resin barrel with holes drilled from HD with very fluffy dirt. Carrots don't like hard, compacted dirt! They were amazing!

[@franksinatra1070]

Interesting technics you have there Jenna .. especially the corn starch. I think thinning is good therapy lol. I've been planting in late July and early August for my winter crop and have had good luck using a shade cloth to help them germinate in the summer. I don't have too much problem in the spring. Good luck and don't forget to share your test results. Thanks.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

It got so warm here all the sudden, I've not got shade cloth over mine!!

[@esthersdaughterlong8149]

Wow Jenna. I'm in Florida and planted some carrot seeds in Feb. Some did very well while other's were teenie weenie. I think it's too hot now. Can't wait to see how yours do.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm glad to hear some of yours did very well!

[@apirlrain]

Thx you, I love your experimental contents. Can't wait to see the results. I have only successfully grown carrot 1 time. I think it was first time garden fluke.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm excited for the results too!

[@fortablet2933]

Corn startch does look fun!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

It was!

[@toddvance4592]

Great info. Looking forward to seeing the results.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You and me both!

[@TheGardenFamily]

Can't wait for part 2! We use pelleted seeds (bling bling!) and the board method. Thanks for doing these experiments!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Me too- I'm out there every day checking on them 😆

[@adventurecreations3214]

Another excellent video. Carrot planting for me tomorrow.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Happy planting!

[@michellegordon1822]

I bought carrots seed tapes this year so they’ll be perfectly spaced. I’ve never used them before so fingers crossed!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I hope they work well for you!

[@ronniebrace2917]

Very helpful video- thanks! Love the diy seed tapes, I think I’ll try that.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Have fun with the diy tapes!

[@tracy6144]

I use a small old piece of reemay or agribond on top of the carrot bed . It helps keep the soil wet but the sun is also able to shine through . I can also see that the seeds have geminated without having to lift the board to check.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Do you fold it over, or is one layer enough to hold moisture in?

[@tracy6144]

@@GrowfullywithJenna I do fold it over. It holds some moisture but I do need to water it every few days. Primarily it keeps the soil from getting a “crust” that makes carrot emergence more difficult. The board likely is better for keeping things moist, but the reemay is a bit more forgiving of you forget it for a few days.

[@viralprimenetwork]

Great job on creating such an informative and helpful video! 😍😍

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you.

[@healthcoachtoranchlife-mov859]

Hello Jenna, (my daughters name)! I'm trying out the board and cardboard method. I'm in Florida, zone 8B and planting a Fall garden. Thanks for the information.

[@margaret2222]

Great video Jenna. Looking for Part 2.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Soon to come!

[@samanthahoos9827]

Great timing! I just prepped beds for potatoes today and found over wintering carrots in my cold frame. There were good enough for a side dish, but we had plans to go out so I fed them to my pet rabbits. Hey, I have to thank my bunnies because they give me plenty of cold fertilizer to amend my beds every week. 😊

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm sure your bunnies greatly appreciated it! 💚

[@misha1d1]

We just used the cornstarch method and some without. It will be interesting to see how things go for each of the rows.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I've love to hear your results!

[@ChrisWilliams-lb7tr]

Just subscribed today! I'm working the soil outside today listening to your videos, thank you! I ordered some blue hopi corn seeds so watched a video earlier you did on corn. Planting some barley today, I'm in Ohio also 😁

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Wonderful!

[@MyScottyboy1]

The corn starch method sounds logical because it retains moisture, but does corn starch attract or detract slugs? I don't know, just putting it out there! Another great vid, thanks Jenna.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I can't answer definitively, but I do have slugs in my garden and did not notice any activity on or near the cornstarch area.

[@mrscaldwell3147]

Wow pretty good idea's! I germinate in baggies on paper towels this year...I had some beet seeds sprout right into the paper towel and the green beans have sprouted and will put out in the next few days; watching you from Colorado front range...we are to get down to 30 degrees overnight Friday!! Look for ward to your growth and wall as mine! God Bless you and yours.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Great idea doing this with beets!

[@mrscaldwell3147]

Yes however, you need to make sure when you see the roots come out plant them in what ever you have...if they have grown into the towel cut around the seedling and plant the whole thing! This is the first time on beets; bush beans sprouted very well and quickly; happy gardening folks! :)

[@addysbeeandgarden320]

Huzzah!!!! You tried the cornstarch method. It is so satisfying! For the paper towel method, maybe a select-a size paper towel cut in half to make strips, and then put them on a small plastic cutting board? If you're doing a whole raised bed with only carrots, you can water and then tarp the whole thing with the same 6mm opaque plastic sheets you would use to cover in the winter. I clamp mine on top so it hovers above the seed,, so even if some take longer to sprout, it won't touch them.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Love these ideas!!

[@tericamcginnis5848]

Thank you. I'll look for your results. Do you have tips and tricks for root development? Many times if I get germination, the roots don't mature.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I don't have final results yet, but you can see an update in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKjMk4qOadeeqLc at 05:15 Also to encourage root development, make sure you're not over doing it on the nitrogen and make sure carrots are given proper spacing. More tips in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lX6Vaol_oJt5l6s

[@ceepark114]

I planted some cabbage starts into my raised beds the other day and was so pleased that the soil was full of worms! When I started gardening several years ago I had no trouble with growing carrots, for some reason I seem to have a hard time germinating carrot now. I will try covering them with a board this year and see if that helps.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm glad to hear you have worms 😄! I seem to have good years and bad when it comes to carrots- a lot of it has to do with whatever my spring weather decides to do in a given year!

[@feliciaward6589]

I enjoyed your video ☺️ I have been wanting to grow delicious carrots for a long time 😋 I am going to try some of these methods. I have seen an herb growing video, of how to dry out the green tops for your spice rack. Crushed carrot leaves sounds delicious to me . Have you done that before? Well, I just subscribed and am happy I found you!! Thanks so much.🥰

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I have not! I'll have to try it- thanks!

[@TMM716]

Love these videos! So helpful! Thank you for sharing 😊

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad you like them!

[@MBwelding]

This is helpful I’m giving carrots a try this year so I think I’ll try the starch method in my raised beds but keeping things cool will be the hard part for me

[@maryrekar2150]

Excellent show. Thank you🥕🥕🥕

[@debbiegibson6113]

Take a toothpick and touch it to your tongue. Touch a seed and it sticks! Don't need much moisture, it will pick up alot of seeds until you need to remoisture. Works on all tiny seeds. Love your videos😊

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks for the tip, Debbie!

[@nancystrickland1623]

I think I’ll try using old strawberry containers. Thanks!!

[@TheOnlyKontrol]

This year I just sprinkled some carrot seeds across a area of my raised bed and didn't even cover them and so far i see a decent amount of them sprouting. it has been raining a good amount here.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Nice!

[@paulsherrod1365]

This year I tried paper strips on carrots and beets both worked well. Probably do it again.

[@mister-action1]

That's a lot of options. Thank you for that!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Happy to share!

[@mister-action1]

@@GrowfullywithJenna I know, we appreciate you!

[@rogercarroll1663]

Thank you. Great video.

[@earthmamma85]

Thank you for such great information. Also, I love you hat. May I ask where did you get it from?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks! It was a gift, but it came from here: amzn.to/3ox4lQc

[@MrOldclunker]

I appreciate the information and just found your channel and subscribed.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you and welcome to the channel!

[@MajestyHammond]

Thank you so much for doing this video! I'm off to get my carrots in replicating your "normal sowing method" based on the results of this study as seen in the follow up upload!

[@titanart6225]

Hello Jenna, QUESTION about Brassicas, do you use shade cloth to try and get a good harvest in late spring early summer? I'm in zone 7a and it was recommended to me to use the shade cloth now, in April with temps ranging from 30s at night to 70 during the day. We are expected to hit 80 degrees later this week. I got a good jump starting the Brassicas inside in February, I transplanted them a few weeks ago into self-wicking 5 gallon containers, I have a hoop house system around them with insect netting to keep the cabbage moth away, but I'm concerned about bolting. Should I wait for the temps to get warmer before throwing the shade cloth on or put them on right away? I have 55% and I believe a 50% cloths available. Thanks for your help.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

In a 'normal' year, no. But I actually just transplanted my brassicas and put them under shade cloth immediately, as the temps are unusually warm right now- same as you-- 80 by the end of the week. Next week back down into the 40s during the day and I'll take the shade cloth off.

[@dustyflats3832]

@@GrowfullywithJenna lol, then you can get your frost cloth out🤣. It’s like getting kids dressed for school.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

@@dustyflats3832 😆exactly!

[@markfogarty9158]

I look forward to your results, especially your germination methods. I make my own carrot paper using those cheap 12"x12" napkins you see at a potluck dinner. To help speed up the process I put the paste mixture (I make my paste a bit runnier then Jenna's) in a small 1 ounce squeeze bottle. Using 1.5" spacing I could quickly put 64 paste drops on the napkin. Then I would use a toothpick (I'd break off the tip if it's the sharp ended type) to transfer the seeds to the drops. If you "wet" your toothpick with the paste mixture beforehand it easily picks up multiple seeds which then easily transfer to the paste dots on the napkin. I found it a relaxing winter time activity which saved lots of work in the spring.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks for the tips!!

[@paulmcgonagle2998]

Great Video Jenna🙂

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks!

[@marykappesser5145]

I have tried the board method, but have problems with attracting earwigs who devour the emerging seedlings. I do will with putting carrots in buckets with pre-sprouted seeds.I cover the bucket with a circle cardboard till the come up. I dont get a huge harvest, but it does work, and I get maybe 10 good sized carrots per bucket.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

And with the buckets, you can really customize your soil mix to make your carrots happy!

[@debracalvin6737]

I read a comment in a fb group to mix your carrot and radish seeds together in a bag then plant them out. As the radishes mature in 20-30 days you harvest those giving more room for your carrots to grow.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Oh that’s clever!

[@ThatBritishHomestead]

I may try the pre sprouting method

[@markowen3114]

Hello dear.how’re you doing? Greetings from California 😊

[@ThatBritishHomestead]

@@markowen3114 good you

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

So far it’s the front runner!

[@daveseibert9390]

Hi. I'm only repeating this, because I thought that you'd get "a kick" out of my angst. Went to the store, bought "corn MEAL" and followed your instructions. Ughh. Not even one carrot germinated! I suppose that's what I deserve for only "kinda listening" to you! Thanks again.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Oh NO, I'm sorry to hear that!! But I did get a kick out of it 😆

[@BelleAmieHairStudio-jw4xf]

When you use the brush to apply the paste to the tp, why don’t you lightly dip it into the seeds too picking up just a couple seeds instead of having to do it by hand. That seems easier for me. Jmo 😊

[@bernadettesullivan29]

Good thinking 💁🏻

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Certainly seems worth a shot!

[@MelissaWilliams74802]

For the cornstarch mixture could you do that with turnips ? I am the worst at those

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I think that would work!

[@merrillstahura3174]

What were the results? Planting my second round of carrots soon & was hoping for an update since my first patch was very spotty germinating. Thanks so much.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I don't have final results yet, but you can see an update in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKjMk4qOadeeqLc at 05:15

[@garyhennessey3621]

I use white row cover and garden staples. I double it. Allows for water to go through yet keeps the ground moist. Allows 80% of the sun warming the ground yet not to warm. Keeps weeds down while germinating.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thanks for sharing!

[@vmcshannon]

I need to see results 😭. Can’t wait 😊

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I know- I've been checking on them every day... I can't wait to see the results!

[@luketocknell8942]

Hey Jenna! Do you have any tips for growing pole beans? (specifically green beans). This is my first year growing pole beans because my family asked me. I can’t let them down haha!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hi Luke- you might find this video helpful, as it covers the essentials of growing beans (both pole & bush): kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2rThXmbqrikd7c

[@wardsdotnet]

I haven't tried this but I wonder if you could use corrugated metal or plastic roofing material or something to do seed spacing. The space between rows of the corrugation should be about what you want for the carrots. Just place seeds along the edge of the corrugated material and flick one or two seeds off with your finger from each of the valleys and then boom you have spaced out seeds

[@dtester0910]

Bill - try plastic pegboard from you local big box store. You can choose which holes to use like every other one or every third one and it works great with pelleted seed - Jim Kovaleski trick he taught us.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Love these ideas!!

[@tracycameron2580]

I have used cardboard cut to the size of my bed, poked holes every 2" wet it and lay it down then drop only one seeding each premade hole and cover with soil...it has worked very well in the past,kept the weeds down too!

[@johnjude2685]

Had my best luck with the board and burlap might be good runner up.. QUESTION do my winter wheat go into a milk and seed mode then I smash it to kill out.? I'm replacing with tomatoes 🍅 Thanks Today planted carrots and cover with heavy felt as I don't have burlap and watering 3 time daily Thanks

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I've not grown winter wheat, but it sounds like the termination is similar to rye. This is from SARE: www.sare.org/publications/managing-cover-crops-profitably/nonlegume-cover-crops/winter-wheat/?highlight=winter%20wheat) Kill wheat with a roller crimper at soft-dough stage or later, with a grass herbicide, or by plowing, disking or mowing before seed matures. As with other small grain cover crops, it is safest to kill about 2-3 weeks before planting your cash crop, although this will depend on local conditions and your killing and tillage system. Because of its slower spring growth, there is less need to rush to kill wheat in spring as is sometimes required for rye. That’s one reason vegetable grower Will Stevens of Shoreham, Vt., prefers wheat to rye as a winter cover on his heavy, clay-loam soils. The wheat goes to seed slower and can provide more biomass than an earlier killing of rye would, he’s found. With rye, he has to disk two to three weeks earlier in spring to incorporate the biomass, which can be a problem in wet conditions. “I only chisel plow wheat if it’s really rank,” he notes.

[@sarahleroux9020]

Love the ideas but looking at how tedious you place the seeds on the napkins seems like it would just be easier to be that tedious when planting in the ground! The gel and sand method look great tho! Thanks for sharing!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

It definitely is! I'd say the only advantage is that you can do it indoors, ahead of time (say, during those dreary winter months when we're dreaming of gardening) 😄

[@timclark7507]

I have had success with the cardboard method. My biggest problem is carrot flies. This year I plan to plant in a large tote. I will simply use the cover to prevent it from drying out.

[@dustyflats3832]

Ben with GrowVeg mentions about carrot flies in a video. He said they aren’t very bright and tend to fly close to the ground and won’t generally go up over a raised bed. Also heard to thin when raining as the scent of carrots brings them in. And of course netting would help. Not sure, but I think I had a problem one year as something burrowed into them.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm glad Dusty Flats could offer some advice. Carrot flies are one pest I (thankfully) haven't had to deal with yet.

[@claudiah5507]

I wish I saw this before I planted my carrot seeds today 😂. I'll try next year

[@robslayz7953]

Very curious to see the results!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Me too!

[@annanitschke6727]

I am trying carrots in fabric pots this year because I'm having low success in my beds and having sunlight issues I'll be able to place them in a better location.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Great idea!

[@SaphfireStorm]

Thanks Jenna 🌱

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

My pleasure!

[@familyfunhomesteadingandDIY]

I'm intrigued by method two and creating seed tape using toilet paper in the winter. My question is whether exposing the seed to the moisture of the glue mixture will reduce later viability because they've been wet, dried, and stored until planting. Do you have any thoughts on this?