how to grow carrots in pots

How to Grow Carrots in Pots [Container Carrot Growing Tips]

Growing carrots in pots is an excellent introduction to growing root vegetables.  It’s possible to easily get a good harvest of fabulous carrots from a container without having to invest a lot of time and effort in a garden or allotment.  While not all varieties of carrots work as well in pots, there are several that grow extremely well in pots and that can deliver you a great harvest of your own carrots.  Growing carrots in pots UK wide is also a fabulous way of avoiding poor soil, weeds and pests. We’ll cover how to grow carrots in a pot, the best container carrots to plant, and the best carrot growing containers.

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How to grow carrots in pots

You can grow any variety of carrots in pots, however many of the regular length carrots just won’t grow as long.  Smaller varieties of carrots, such as Chantenay Red Core or Danvers Half Long, will, however, thrive in containers.  You’ll need to make sure that your container is deep enough and your compost is moist enough to maximize the growth of your carrots. These are awesome carrot growing containers (see below and click the picture for more details) are brilliant for growing carrots.

The best varieties of carrots to grow in pots

While all varieties of carrots will grow in pots, those that do best are the shorter varieties.  We’d also recommend selecting carrot varieties that take less time to mature. 

We recommend Crocus for buying carrot seeds online, you can also buy carrot seeds online from Amazon.

These varieties of carrots do well in containers:

The best pots to grow carrots in

The best way to grow carrots in containers is to start by getting the best container.  Carrot bags are a great easy way to get started, these bags are about 50 centimetres deep and they’re seriously easy to store.  Alternatively, find a pot or a planter that’s the same depth.  If you’re reusing any container, make sure you’ve washed it out thoroughly with soap and water, rinsed it properly and then dried it properly too.  A wider pot simply means you can grow more carrots in the same pot.

The best pots for growing carrots can be of literally any material, they can be clay, terracotta, plastic.  Containers for growing carrots can also be any shape, so go and raid the garden and check out the attic and see what you’ve got!

We recommend these carrot growing pots and containers:

Don’t forget to drill some drainage holes if there aren’t any in there.  If you don’t have drainage holes in your carrot container, then it’s likely that your carrots will rot.

growing carrots in pots

Why grow carrots in pots?

If you’re looking for how to grow carrots in a container because you don’t have a garden or much space, then look no further!  There are several reasons to grow carrots in containers.  The first is obviously to use all available space, and secondly if you don’t have garden space to grow them in.  We like that it’s easier to control pests by growing carrots in pots too.  It’s also a great way to get started.  If you don’t know if you’re going to have fun growing carrots, then putting a few seeds in a pot is an easy way to create a manageable situation.  Growing carrots in containers outdoors is simple.

When to plant carrots in pots

If you’re growing carrots outside, then you should plant after the first frost.  While it’s true that carrots like cooler weather, they won’t react well to frost.  If you’re unsure as to when this is in your area you can start with them indoors and move them outdoors.  When it comes to planting carrots in pots bear in mind that carrots don’t like transplanting, so you’re best sowing them directly into their forever home.

The BEST time to plant carrots is in March.  We also recommend that you use succession sowing for carrots when you are planting carrots in containers.  Plant a container or two a week and then you’ll get a decent and steady supply of carrots throughout the summer and autumn.  Planting them all together will give you a bit of a glut and then you’ll have to figure out how to store your carrots for the longer term – or eat them all at once!  (Freezing them is an option and there are details on that here) You’ll want to water them well after you’ve sowed your carrots and then make sure they’re placed in partial sun.  Make your life easier with an expandable hose – here’s our guide to the best.

grow carrots in pots

How to plant carrots in containers UK wide

When it comes to how to plant carrots in pots, it’s quite simple. Carrots seeds are small, so they need to be sown shallowly.  Keep the top layer of compost or soil damp during the germination period.  When it comes to carrot planting depth – Place 2 seeds every 2 centimetres and only put them about 5 millimetres deep.  Water your compost BEFORE you plant.    Growing carrots from seed in pots is just as easy as growing carrots in the garden.  Just remember not to sow those carrot seeds too deep!.

How to grow carrots from seed in containers

Carrots are not known for transplanting well, so we recommend starting your carrot crop from seeds and do this in the area, pot or container where they will live their whole life, and avoid transplanting carrots.  While March and early Spring is the best time to sow carrot seeds, if it is particularly cold (and frosty) where you are you can start things off inside – try these biodegradable pots –and then put your biodegradable pot inside a larger one outside once it’s warmed up.

Start by watering the pot of compost fully and wait until the water has drained through completely.  Sprinkle your carrot seeds over the soil and top up with 5 centimetres of soil.  Press down lightly.  Germination of the carrot seed will take about 21 days.  It will get pretty crowded first of all, so thin the weaker looking outs out by pulling them out gently.  Try not to disturb the plants that you’re leaving in.

After a few weeks, you’ll want to make sure that each plant has enough space by thinning them a little and perhaps add a little food.  A general-purpose veggie food will do.  You’ll need to also make sure that the soil is kept moist as pots tend to try out a lot quicker than soil in the garden itself.  Top up the compost levels if the tops of the carrots start to show about the soil line and if it’s exposed to sunshine, as this means that the carrots will turn green and taste bitter.

How to store carrots

After harvesting and for the next five months carrots increase the amount of Vitamin A contained within them!  If they’re kept away from light and heat then they hold this nutritional content for another 60 to 90 days.  Read more about the nutritional value of carrots here.  The trick to storing carrots is to minimize the moisture that they lose, thicker carrots will store better and for longer.  You can also extend the life of carrots by refrigerating them, freezing them, bottling them, pickling them, or leaving them in the ground! Carrots are also a great vegetable to dehydrate.

best carrots to grow in containers

Tips for growing carrots in containers

We like to start small and see how a variety of vegetables goes and then expand out.  Start with a well known and well-tested variety and start with a couple of pots planted in succession, because the worst thing is finding that you’re successful at growing a vegetable, loving the taste and then having to wait until next year to try it again!

Where to grow carrots

Carrots grow well in pots of about 50 centimetres deep.  They also do well in carrot growing bags -and we recommend these multi-purpose grow bags.  They like partial to good sun, but remember, the more sun they have, especially when they’re in pots, the more they’re going to dry out and you do need to keep the soil or compost moist.

When to plant carrots in pots

You’ll want to plant carrots in early Spring, March is usually a good time, although try and wait until after the first frost.  Perhaps start them off in biodegradable pots inside and then move them outside.  Try NOT to transplant carrots as they don’t like this very much.

What variety of carrots to grow in pots

It doesn’t matter what a carrot looks like when you’re growing your own, it’s what it tastes like!  If you want to grow the standard looking carrots then Chantenay Red Core is perfect, but if looks aren’t everything to you, then go for one of the shorter, fatter ones that do well in containers.  Here are the best carrots to grow in pots.

When to harvest carrots in pots

Your carrots will be ready to harvest from about 12 weeks or 3 months after you’ve sowed the seed. You don’t have to pick them at that point, because carrots store well by being left in the ground.  However, this is a balancing act.  The bigger the carrot the less taste it’s likely to have, but the thicker the carrot the better chance it has for retaining taste and moisture if storing for the longer term!

It’s always a good idea to read the instructions on your seed packets as to when they’re likely to be ready too (don’t throw them away! – why not store them in a seed packet store – like the one we recommend as a really useful gift for gardeners.

How to harvest carrots in containers

You will learn when to harvest carrots in containers as the carrots are ready to harvest when the tops of the root can be seen just above the soil line.  For harvesting carrots in containers just loosen the soil and pull gently.  Use a trowel to break up the soil – see our guide to the essential tools for vegetable gardeners here.

How to Grow Carrots in Containers FAQS

Here are the questions most people have about growing carrots in containers. If we haven’t answered one that you have, then ask us in the comments, or drop us an email.

Can you grow carrots in a pot? / Can you plant carrots in a container?

Yes.  Carrots can be grown easily in a pot or container.

When is the best time to grow carrots?

Carrots should be planted in Spring and will be ready to harvest about 12 weeks later.

How often do you water carrots?

Carrots like all root vegetables need watering before the soil becomes dry.  If you just damped the surface of the soil or compost then the water will not reach the roots and you’ll stunt the growth of your carrots.   Be sure to keep the compost or soil damp.

What are the best tasting carrots to grow UK availability?

We love Parisienne Carrots and Chantenay carrots which are excellent varieties of grow your own carrots. We tend to have Chantenay carrots growing in pots most years.

Can you grow carrots from carrots?

Planting a carrot top will give your carrot plant, but it won’t regrow the root system which is the carrot that you ate. The carrot plant will grow small white flowers and small brown seeds. You can use the seeds next season to try and grow your own carrots from them.

How do you know when to harvest carrots?

Carrots will be ready to harvest when the tops of the roots can be seen just above the compost line. However, if you’re not ready to eat them, we’d leave them in the ground or container.

Can you transplant carrots?

We’re not saying no, but carrots do NOT transplant well, so if you’re not sure where you want your carrots to live, then you’d be best sowing them in a container and moving the container around your garden.

What’s the best container to grow carrots in?

You can grow carrots in ANY container.  The best carrot pots and the best containers for growing carrots have drainage holes in them to stop the compost from becoming waterlogged.  Carrot planter bags are great.  Just remember, if you are growing carrots in bags that they also need drainage holes too.

We recommend these carrot growing containers:

How much space do carrots need to grow?

Most carrots grown in containers will need a depth of at least 20 centimetres and 1.5 to 2 centimetres between full-grown carrots.

What is the depth of planter for carrots needed?

You’ll want a depth of at least 50 centimetres, to get a decent carrot length.  These are the best carrot grow bags for carrots that we’ve found.

Can you grow carrots in a grow bag?

Yes!  Carrots can easily be grown in a bag.  However, if you’re growing carrots in grow bags, and you want to know how to grow carrots in a bag, then you need to remember that a carrot is a root vegetable and it needs depth.  So any bag for growing carrots needs to be positioned to give decent depth. Growing carrots in a bag is very similar to growing carrots in a container.  If you’re growing carrots in a grow bag – like the ones that you buy to grow tomatoes in, then you’ll want to up-end it and give the carrots the depth they need. Click here to read more reviews

How often should carrots in a pot be watered?

You will need to water carrots that are growing in a pot regularly.  Water at the soil level.  If you water the leafy tops of the carrots then you could end up with rot problems.  Make sure the soil is kept moist, especially if the carrots are situated in a sunny spot.  If you’re planting carrots in July, you’ll want to keep a close eye on the moisture in the soil.

While we try and use rainwater as much as possible on the garden and in pots, when that’s not possible, we use a space-saving expandable hose – check out our guide to expanding hoses here

What are the best carrots to grow in containers? What are the best carrot varieties for containers?

The best carrots for containers are these varieties.

We’ve been growing Chantenay carrots in containers for several years now.  

What’s the best compost to grow carrots in? 

The best compost for carrots in pots is multi-purpose compost (read our post on suggestions for the best compost here).  This compost is good for carrot growth.  The best soil for carrots in containers shouldn’t have any stones in it.   Equally, make sure that any hard bits of soil or compost are broken up and loosen.  When a carrot meets an obstruction is when the carrot becomes misshaped as it tries to grow around it!

We recommend these composts for carrots in containers:

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The Best Multi Purpose Compost

When you buy compost for veg growing you want something that’s multi purpose and great quality. This compost is perfect for giving your veg the best nutrients.

This all-purpose compost is an excellent choice for compost for carrots > buy compost for carrots here now.

If you want fully organic compost for carrots, then this is a great one

Do my carrots need fertilizer or plant food?

If you’ve gone for good compost, then there should be nutrients in the compost that last 6-12 weeks.   Carrots don’t necessarily need fertiliser or plant food though.

How long do carrots take to grow in containers?

Carrots growing in containers take the same amount of time to grow as if they were grown in the garden.  Carrot growing time is around 70-80 days to grow from seed to harvest time.  

Can I reuse the compost from my carrots?

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to reuse the compost or soil in your post for either more carrots or other vegetables. Clear out any root tangles that might be left and if you’re going to reuse it for carrots, we’d suggest that you change it completely – perhaps put other vegetables in and mix with either more purchased compost, or enrich it with your own compost – read about making your own compost here.

What other fruit and vegetables can I grow in pots?

Try these other guides to growing in pots and containers

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Final Words on growing carrots in pots

Growing carrots in pots makes it so easy to start a vegetable garden.  If you have family, then giving the kids control over a pot each and competitive carrot growing could be the next activity that they get involved with.  It’s also easy to control the environment when you’re growing vegetables in pots.  Pests are less of a problem, so is waterlogging and it’s much easier to keep weeds under control too!  We hope you’ve found our guide to growing carrots in a pot and our carrot growing tips useful.  Good luck, we hope you have a fabulous carrot harvest.

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