Growing carrots in grow bags is a fantastic option, especially for those who cant garden directly in the ground. Carrots thrive in loose, well-drained soil, making fabric grow bags perfect since they provide excellent aeration and prevent waterlogging. Here’s a guide to growing carrots in grow bags, along with size suggestions from 247Garden’s tall fabric pots.
Growing your own vegetables is both fun and rewarding And carrots are one of the most satisfying crops to grow yourself Their sweet, crunchy taste when freshly picked cannot be beat.
While carrots thrive in garden beds, you can also grow them very successfully in grow bags. This allows even urban gardeners with limited space to enjoy a bountiful harvest.
In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about growing carrots in grow bags. From choosing the right bag and soil, to sowing seeds, caring for your crops, and harvesting, you’ll learn proven tips and techniques for carrot growing success.
Why Grow Carrots in Bags?
Carrots are known as a root crop. This means they need loose friable soil to develop properly. Heavy clay or rocky earth will lead to stunted and misshapen roots.
Grow bags allow you to control the soil environment. You can fill them with a lightweight potting mix that drains well and has the right texture for carrots to thrive.
Bags are also portable and take up little space. They’re ideal for small yards, patios, and balconies. You can move them around to find the perfect sunny spot.
Carrots are cold hardy so you can grow them year-round in grow bags. As long as they get 6-8 hours of sun daily, you can produce crops in any season.
Choosing the Right Grow Bag
Look for durable fabric bags that won’t tear or degrade in the elements. I recommend a bag that’s at least 12 inches deep so carrots have room to grow.
Potato grow bags work well, or you can find tall, narrow bags specifically made for root crops. Make sure yours has drainage holes in the bottom.
For a single bag, select a 3-5 gallon size. This will comfortably hold around 5-6 carrots. Scale up for larger harvests.
Prepare Your Soil Mix
Carrots need light, sandy soil. To recreate this in a bag, use a commercial organic potting mix made for containers.
You can blend in compost or coir to enrich it. But avoid garden soils that will compact and inhibit root growth.
Before planting, mix in an all-purpose organic fertilizer according to package directions. This will provide nutrients to help your carrots thrive.
Moisten the soil before filling your bag. Carrots germinate best when soil is kept evenly moist.
When to Sow Carrot Seeds
You can sow carrots as soon as the ground thaws in early spring. They love cool weather and can withstand frost.
For a fall crop, plant another batch 8-10 weeks before your first expected fall frost. Shelter fall carrots under a cold frame or greenhouse if needed.
Sow new seeds every 2-3 weeks for a steady supply. Soak seeds in water the night before planting to speed germination.
How to Plant Seeds in a Grow Bag
Scatter seeds across the soil surface, spacing about 1 inch apart. Try to sow them as evenly as possible.
Cover with 1/4 inch of soil or potting mix. Gently water to moisten and compress the layer.
Lay garden fabric over the bag to retain moisture while seeds germinate. This takes 10-21 days. Remove fabric once sprouts appear.
Thinning is Crucial!
For straight, well-formed carrots, it’s vital to thin overcrowded seedlings. Wait until they reach 1-2 inches tall.
Pull out the smaller seedlings, leaving the healthiest ones spaced 2-3 inches apart. This allows room for roots to expand.
Thin in the evening to avoid attracting carrot rust flies, which are drawn to the smell of bruised foliage.
Caring for Your Carrots
Carrots have a high water content. Check soil daily and water when the top 1-2 inches become dry. Avoid letting bags completely dry out.
Side dress with a nitrogen fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. This fuels leafy top growth.
Use row cover fabric to shelter seedlings and prevent insect pests like leafminers. Remove during flowering for pollination.
How to Harvest Carrots from Grow Bags
Most varieties are ready to harvest 60-80 days from sowing seeds. Tops will become bushy with mature foliage.
Test size by gently pulling on greens. Roots should be 3/4–1 inch across at top when ready to pick.
Loosen soil with a trowel and pull up entire plants. Remove foliage right away and compost greens.
Storing Your Fresh Carrot Crop
Before storing, twist off tops while leaving 1 inch of stems. Scrub carrots and pat dry.
Place unwashed carrots in a container, cover with water, and store in the fridge. Change water every 5-7 days.
Carrots will keep this way for 2-3 weeks. For longer storage, freeze, dehydrate, or pickle them.
Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Carrots in Grow Bags:
- Choosing the Right Grow Bag: For medium-sized carrot varieties that grow 5-7 inches, a deep bag is ideal to ensure the roots have plenty of space to develop. 247Gardens 10-Gallon Tall Aeration Fabric Pot (19H x 12.5D) is a great starting point for a compact option, but for larger harvests, you could consider the 15-Gallon Tall Pot (21H x 14.5D) or even the 20-Gallon Tall Pot (23H x 16D).
- Soil Preparation: Fill the grow bag with a well-draining, loamy mix rich in organic matter. Avoid soil with large clumps that could obstruct root growth. A mix of potting soil and compost works well, and you may want to add perlite for extra drainage.
- Spacing: Carrots can be spaced about 2 inches apart, as you’ve done. This should allow enough room for each carrot to develop fully without overcrowding. Even if a few are planted too close, youll end up with some uniquely shaped carrots rather than stunted growth.
- Sowing Seeds: Sow carrot seeds directly into the grow bag at a depth of about 1/4 inch. Thin out seedlings once they grow to about 1-2 inches tall, keeping the strongest plants and maintaining your 2-inch spacing.
- Watering and Sunlight: Carrots need consistent moisture, so keep the soil damp but not waterlogged. Grow bags tend to dry out faster than in-ground beds, so regular watering is key. Place the bag in a location that gets full sun—at least 6-8 hours of direct light daily.
- Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer (such as 10-10-10) once the seedlings are established. Carrots don’t need too much nitrogen, as that can promote leafy tops over root development.
- Harvesting: Your carrots will be ready to harvest in 70-80 days, depending on the variety. Gently loosen the soil around the tops and pull the carrots from the bag.
How to Grow Carrots in a Grow Bag or Large Container
FAQ
Do carrots grow well in grow bags?
Carrots, being a root crop, simply won’t develop properly in heavy clay or stony soils. For best appearance and a sweet flavor, they need soil that’s friable, well-drained, neutral to alkaline, and not too rich in nitrogen. Grow Bags are a good option for urban gardeners, who often have little space but plenty of sun.
How many carrots can I plant in a 15 gallon Grow Bag?
* 10 carrot plants in the 7 gallon container. * 15 carrots plants in the 15 gallon container. Day 54 after sowing seeds! From seed to harvest should be about 75 to 90 days.
What is the best month to plant carrots?
- Generally considered a cool-season crop, it’s best to plant carrots in early spring or fall in most climates.
- For an early summer harvest, plant carrot seeds outside in the spring about 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost date, ideally once the soil has warmed to at least 45°F.
How deep does soil need to be for carrots?
For most carrot varieties, the soil should be loosened to a depth of 12 to 16 inches to allow for proper root development.