Carrot seeds and the difference between UK and European carrots

Assuming that we in the UK use the same carrot seeds as they do on mainland Europe, have you ever wondered about the difference in taste?

The point I want to make is that carrots in our shops and supermarkets are bland and taste of nothing much, in fact they are only useful as decoration on your plate (my opinion). Contrast that with carrots bought in supermarkets in France, Germany etc and you will find that they smell and taste delicious, just as carrots in your garden and mine smell and taste.

Do the big growers use chemicals on their carrots? Well they must do, but how is it that European shop bought carrots taste so much better when we use the same seeds? That make take some research to find out but in the meantime you can buy carrot seeds for your garden and in between 12 and 20 weeks (depending on the seeds and the weather) you can experience the true taste of home grown veg.

Carrot seeds are usually sown from April to July, but some varieties can be sown as early as February. Avoid stony soil if possible or opt for a variety with shorter roots. Soil should also be free draining and sunny. Short-rooted carrot varieties can be grown in containers or growing bags.

We recommend that you dig in plenty of sand - I use normal builder's sand but a friend get good crops from using sharp sand.

Never, never use fertilisers or manure where you intend to grow carrots. If you do then yes, you'll get a crop, but they will have arms and legs all over the place and will look something grown near Sellafield.