How to Grow Flavorful Carrots

Till the soil to a depth of at least 9 inches. Carrots need plenty of space in loose, well-drained soil to grow downward without running into hard clods or rocks.

Mix a 5-10-10 or 1-2-2 fertilizer into the soil, following the manufacturer's directions for root vegetables.

Plant the seeds in the ground about one-quarter inch deep, at a rate of two to three seeds per inch, with rows at least 12 inches apart. Plant the seeds in the spring, as soon as the soil has warmed up, or in late summer, giving them enough time to mature before temperatures drop.

Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Don't allow the soil to dry out completely, as it could cause the carrots to become tough or pithy. A regular watering schedule produces the best carrots.

Thin the carrots by pulling up or cutting the tops off excess plants in the row so that there is one carrot every inch. This gives them plenty of room to grow and absorb water and nutrients without competition.

Harvest the carrots early while they are still considered baby carrots, or the top of the carrot is about 1/2 inch across. Carrots harvested early are the sweetest and most flavorful. They are usually ready for early harvest between 50 and 60 days after planting.