Carrots are cracking - what to do?
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WHY IS THE CARROT CRACKING AND WHAT TO DO WITH IT?
This year, all my carrots cracked, and the harvest is good. The season, of course, was difficult both in terms of temperature and humidity, but experienced gardeners probably have prevention methods against this scourge. Which? K. Yemtseva Moscow
Most often, moisture changes, improper feeding and clay soils lead to cracking of carrot roots.
Carrots differ from other root crops by high fluid pressure in tissue cells (turgor). It is because of this that it is so crispy and, alas, fragile, especially when the balance of pressure is disturbed.
CARROT WATERING - HOW MUCH TO NOT TRASH?
Carrots require constant sufficient soil moisture, besides, it suffers when drought is abruptly replaced by heavy rains. Due to the influx of water, the cells swell, the pressure builds up, and the root crop splits, sometimes along the entire length. There may be several cracks, and they often reach the core, which usually remains intact.
In dry periods, it is necessary to increase the rate and frequency of watering. For (saving water, it is convenient to use a moisture meter - a soil moisture meter that will tell you when to water. The optimal value for carrots is 75-80% HB, and ideally it should be constant.
The need for watering can be determined in another way: dig a groove about 10 cm deep next to the plants. If the soil at the bottom is wet, postpone irrigation, and if dry, act immediately. The soil must be wetted evenly and so deeply that the lower part of the root crop receives moisture. If it lingers only on the surface, the risk of cracking increases.
As early as a week after sowing carrots, watering may be required if there is no rain. Plants need about 25mm/week of rainfall to reach their full potential.
Mulching helps conserve moisture.
Reference by topic: Why carrots horny, crooked
FEEDINGS TO AVOID CRACKING OF CARROTS.
Carrots are fed, when the tops grow above 10 cm, with complex fertilizer, which contains less nitrogen and more phosphorus and potassium (NPK 5-15-15). Nitrogen promotes leaf growth, phosphorus and potassium stimulate root development. On garden soils, it is better to limit yourself to half the recommended doses, root crops will grow, maybe smaller, but tastier, sweeter and will not crack.
SOIL STRUCTURE.
On clay soil, carrots do poorly and often crack. In this case, you will have to make a special high bed for her and make a lot of compost. For varieties with long roots, the fertile layer, which retains moisture and prevents cracking, is 50 cm.
CARROT VARIETIES RESISTANT TO CRACKING
It makes sense to choose those that are resistant to cracking (Amsterdam, Boltex, Minicor, etc.).
Carrots that have dried out after harvesting can also crack. This happens more often with long root crops.
Reference by topic: How to prevent carrots and cabbage from cracking and rotting potatoes
© Author: I. KAPUSTINA, agronomist
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I roll up cracked carrots for the winter, then add them to soups, stir-fries and main courses. For 1 kg of carrots - 1 tbsp. salt and table vinegar. I grate the carrots on a medium grater with salt. I fill clean, dry jars with the stock up to the hangers. Distribute the vinegar evenly. Place the jars in a pan of boiling water so that the liquid covers 2/3 of them. I sterilize for 40 minutes. I roll it up and wrap it until it cools. I keep it refrigerated.
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I wash the cracked carrot roots, peel them, trim them from the bottom and top, remove growths and small roots. I soak it in cold water for two hours. Then I grate it on a coarse grater. I put it into small bags and freeze it. One such package is a portion for soup or a second course.