If you use row cover that’s much wider than your bed, then the row cover could stay in place as the carrot tops mature. This would form a permanent shield during the months when the carrot rust fly life cycle is a threat.

As for crop rotation, I’d avoid growing carrots anywhere near where you’ve grown them before, allowing at least a three year interval, maybe more if you have the space.

Just my $0.02, and thanks for your comments!

Margaret,

From what I was reading the other day about growing pumpkins (Gardening When It Counts, by Steve Solomon), a pumpkin plant should not be crowded. Depending on the soil type and fertility, they need about four or five feet between plants, according to Mr. Solomon. I’m trying a five-foot spacing this year based on his advice; last year I used an 18″ spacing and had similar fruit set issues as you. Gardening is just one big experiment, it seems.

Also, I appreciate your taking time to read and comment on this blog. Thanks!

–Tom

I have been gardening off and on for many years. First it was in the urban setting since I lived in LA. Even my condos had small yards that made gardening possible in a very small way. Now that I am up the lake I have really taken to gardening, but as I think you know, my space is still very limited. For the first time I am trying pumpkins. I didn’t know if it was possible, but I would though I would try them in a large blue barrel. I have two plants in there and the vines are doing quite well, but none of the sets have remained so far. What I do notice is that they require large amounts of water when grown in a pot. Time will tell if it is successful.

I have saved flower seeds, but never vegetable seeds. Because I do succession gardening my plants never quite get to the seed stage before coming out. My carrots, beets and potatoes stay in the ground through the fall and early winter and still are edible. They don’t seem to dry out as much as when I pull them and store them in a cool room in the cabin. Maybe I need to think about building some kind of a root cellar, but don’t want to share my crops with the critters.

Thanks for the great posts. I always enjoy reading them. – Margy

I’m now in my third year of veggie growing, second year here in Powell River, and mistakes abound. Each year I learn from previous mistakes but as you mention a new set of mistakes comes up. I have a question regarding carrots, I seem to have an ongoing issue with the carrot rust fly. I just planted a second crop and this time I covered it with float covers. I love home grown carrots and any hints you can give me is greatly appreciated.

Margaret