PHS’s Meadowbrook Farm, a free public garden, is participating in PHS Harvest, turning out hundreds of pounds of produce, including spring crops like lettuce, summer crops like beans, peas, squash, and tomatoes, and fall crops like garlic and onions. Marta and Abbey at Meadowbrook discuss how carrots should be planted, grown, maintained, and harvested. Tips include:
- Growing carrots from seed in March for summer carrots; or planting seeds in July for early winter carrots
- Weeding allows carrots to have more fresh air and become larger and sweeter
Carrots are most-requested from food banks. As Kathleen Wood, Whole Foods Mid-Atlantic Principal Forager, points out, carrots are easy to keep, prepare, and eat. She suggests:
- Choosing carrots that are slightly larger to ensure sweetness
- Selecting carrots that are bright in color to ensure freshness
- Storing carrots without their tops in a sealed plastic bag
And who knew carrots don’t play well with apples and pears?
From April through late October, PHS Harvest welcomes produce donations to its network of food banks and other community organizations to provide access to fresh, healthy food to those in need. To sign up to grow as an individual gardener, or as part of a growing team, or to donate to the initiative, click the button below to learn more.
