Compacted carrots

Twisted and forked carrots are usually caused when carrots are planted too close together or when the soil is too hard for carrots to easily grow into a long, straight root. Rocky or overly compacted soils will also deform carrots.

Control:

• Plant pelleted seed  or seed tape for better spacing control.
• Seed at recommended spacing if using loose seeds. Thin carrots as they grow larger to optimal spacing.
• Mix a small amount of radish seeds with carrot seeds. The radishes will emerge first and are harvested early, which naturally spaces the carrots.
• Carrots need loose soil that has been amended with organic matter such as compost.
• If soil is an issue, grow shorter rooted carrots such as Danvers or Nantes.
• If soil is heavy clay, consider growing carrots in raised beds.

Deformed carrots are still edible and the odd one is entertaining to look at.