Topic: Carrots coming out of the ground - is this OK?

[Tinkie_Bear]

My carrots are growing quite well but the roots are out of the ground by about an inch, I don't know why or how but will it do them any harm and should I earth them up?  They are growing in a bucket as part of an ugly carrot competition and they get a dose of tomato food every week (I want them to fork and twist) the variety is Cosmic Purple if that makes a difference.  The ones straight in the ground are not doing this.

I have a picture but not a clue how to post it !

Thanks in advance

Tinkie_Bear

[SMP1704]

I believe that leaving carrot tops uncovered will turn them green, some say this makes them inedible and other say it doesn't matter.

As you are growing them for an ugly compo, I would think green tops will add to the overall effect.  If you don't want them green, just earth them up a bit.

Good luck

[Mrs Ava]

Beat me to it SMP, but I agree!  ;D

[powerspade]

I always earth up my carrots to avoid greening but also to prevent carrot fly laying their eggs at the neck of the carrot

[Tinkie_Bear]

Brilliant, many thanks for the info.
As they are purple carrots the tops are very dark coloured, almost black!  Are the bits that have seen the light edible or not?  Only the ugliest will go to the pub the rest will go to the pot!

[Mrs Ava]

We eat them green or not...... :-\

[Merry Tiller]

Green carrots are absolutely fine, I think people confuse them with potatoes which are very nasty if eaten when green

[Columbus]

Hi all

I always earth up my carrots to avoid greening but also to prevent carrot fly laying their eggs at the neck of the carrot

I`d have writ that if I`d been here sooner.

I earth up everything if theres any kind of space around it and the surrounding soil or if I`ve disturbed the row by harvesting or thinning.
I think I`d start eating the carrots.

Col

[Tinkie_Bear]

Thank you everybody for your help, I have earthed them up.  If nothing else it will keep them as a lovely surprise when I pull them for hte pub's carrot show and tell! (it might deter some of the others from sabotage too - they are a jealous bunch when they've had a few!!!)

Thanks again

Tinkie_Bear