Carrot Germination Box

Bed Preparation

• Add compost to the planting site before sowing the carrots or installing the germination box. A 1- to 2-inch layer of compost incorporated into the top 6 inches of soil helps the soil remain moist without becoming soggy as the seeds germinate. Remove rocks and roots from the bed, as these obstruct the formation of the edible roots of the carrots, so they grow in crooked or stunted. Rake the surface of the soil so it's fine textured, which makes it easier for the seedlings to sprout and penetrate into the soil.

Cold Frame Installation

• Cold frames come in a variety of sizes, or you can build your own to fit the needs of your garden. The cold frame consists of a wooden frame with a glass top hinged to the box. The glass allows sunlight and warmth into the box while preventing cold damage or pest problems. For the purpose of the germination box, the cold frame sits on top of the soil. You can set the bottom 2 to 3 inches into the soil to provide more protection to the carrots, if preferred, or leave it in place year-round and remove the glass once the carrots are growing well.

Seed Sowing

• Thoroughly moisten the soil before planting the seeds. Irrigating after planting the carrots may force the small seeds deeply into the soil. Sow seeds in rows spaced 8 to 10 inches apart. Plant the seeds on the soil surface and sow approximately two seeds per inch of row. Small carrot seeds are difficult to sow singly, making it necessary to plant them thickly. Press on the seeds lightly so they are in contact with soil. Carrot seeds require about two to three weeks to germinate if kept moist and warm.

Germination Care

• The glass lid of the germination box allows the heat from the sun in but keeps out cold and pests. The glass also provides insulation that helps prevent evaporation, so moisture stays in the soil. Monitor the temperature in the box with a thermometer. Open the lid when the temperature rises above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, otherwise the carrot seedlings may overheat and die. Laying a layer of moistened burlap over the soil keeps the soil moist during the germination process. Check the progress of the seedlings underneath the burlap every two to three days, and remove the burlap once the seedlings begin sprouting through the soil.