INTRODUCTION TO CARROTS
Carrots are one of the main vegetables that we farm, and have been farming for decades here at Langplaas in Brits. Our carrots are farmed sustainably and that makes them extra tasty and highly nutritious!
Carrots are root vegetables. They are usually orange in color. However, they can also be purple, black, red, white and yellow, as can be seen on in our Langplaas harvests.
The most commonly eaten part of the plant is the root, although the stems and leaves are often also eaten. These roots contain good nutrients for a healthy diet. Carrots has a very high source of vitamin A.
GROWTH PROCESS WHEN FARMING
At first the carrot plant grows a rosette of leaves while building up the enlarged root. It is in this root where large amounts of sugars are stored in order to provide energy for the plant to flower in its second year. Fast growing cultivars mature within three months (90 days) of sowing the seed, while slower-maturing cultivars need a month longer (120 days)
Carrots grow best in full sunlight. However, carrots can also tolerate some shade. The optimum temperature for carrots to grow is 16 to 21 degrees Celcius
In addition to the weather and soil conditions, Fertiliser should be applied. Rich or rocky soils should be avoided, as these will cause the roots to become hairy and/or misshapen. Irrigation should be applied often to keep the soil moist.
CULTIVATING PROBLEMS ON A CARROT FARM
As with all vegetables, there are certain factors that can negatively influence your harvest. We have experienced a range of cultivating problems on our carrot farm in Brits. Therefore, we know all the diseases that can influence carrots, as well as how to prevent them. Langplaas also believes in sustainable produce and therefore prevent diseases through sustainable ways.
BELOW IS A LIST OF DISEASES THAT CAN BE FOUND ON THE FARM
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Diseases:
Alternaria – Leaf blight can eradicate entire crops. This bacteria is especially destructive in warm, humid areas.
Root knot nematodes – Meloidogyne can cause stubby or forked roots, or galls.
Cavity spot – caused by Pythium and results in irregularly shaped and depressed lesions on the taproots.
Physical damage:
Carrots can be damaged through splitting. As a result, a longitudinal crack develops during growth that can be a few centimetres to the entire length of the root.
Carrots can also break if not handled correctly. Usually, this occurs postharvest.
Pests can eat and damage the crops if the crops are not treated properly, for example worms.As much as 30% of commercial crops can often be lost due to physical damage. Factors associated with high levels of splitting include wide plant spacing, early sowing, and lengthy growth durations.
In conclusion, to have a good harvest and to be successful in carrot farming, it is important to consult professionals. We at Langplaas have all the necessary experience, knowledge, rotation systems and technology required to produce the best carrots in South Africa. Please contact us, and let our carrot farm also be your supplier.
CONTACT Us
LANGPLAAS BOERDERY
CNR R566 & R512
BRITS, 0250
SOUTH AFRICA
GERT@LANGPLAAS.CO.ZA
GERHARD@LANGPLAAS.CO.ZA
012 252 3653