July is the period when carrots are already actively forming the root. Exactly now the plant needs proper care, and not unnecessary intervention. Several simple actions will help get even, juicy and sweet carrots without cracks and branching.
Do not allow the soil to dry out
One of the most common mistakes is rare but too abundant watering. Because of sharp fluctuations in moisture carrots often crack.
It is best to maintain moderate soil moisture. If there is heat, water deeply one or two times a week so that the water penetrates to the entire root system.
Be sure to thin the thickened rows
If there is too little space between the plants, they start competing for water and nutrients. As a result the roots grow small.
After thinning leave approximately 5–7 centimeters between the carrots. This way each plant will have enough space for development.
Loosen the soil after rain
Dense soil poorly lets air through, because of which the root develops more slowly.
Light loosening of the inter-rows after rain or watering will help avoid the formation of a hard crust and improve oxygen access to the roots.
Feed with potassium
In July carrots especially need potassium. Exactly it promotes the accumulation of sugars, makes the roots denser, more aromatic and juicier.
For feeding you can use potassium sulfate or another potassium fertilizer without a large amount of nitrogen. Nitrogen feedings in this period are already undesirable, because they stimulate the growth of tops instead of root development.
Do not hurry to cut the tops
Green leaves work for the future harvest. They provide the plant with nutrients, so healthy tops do not need to be removed.
Only yellowed or damaged leaves can be carefully removed.
A little advice that often gives an excellent result
Regularly remove weeds. Even a few large weeds are capable of taking a significant part of moisture and nutrition. A clean bed is one of the main conditions for growing large carrots.
If you give carrots a little attention exactly in July, in autumn they will reward with a generous harvest: the roots will be even, large, juicy and pleasantly sweet. Exactly these simple actions most often distinguish an ordinary harvest from a truly successful one.