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Carrots are easy to grow requiring little care. For most gardeners the biggest problem is they sowed the tiny seeds too thickly and now they have to vigorously thin to get proper root development. But carrots do have some insect pests.
The Carrot Rust Fly lays its eggs at the base of the growing carrots. The larva of the fly chews tunnels and unslightly grooves through the surface of the root causing rot. Unfortunately the damage isn't just cosmetic; the activities of the Carrot Rust Fly larva changes the flavour of the carrot and makes it quite inedible. Use our floating row cover to keep the adults away from the carrots. Plant after the beginning of June to avoid the first and worst infestation period.
The good news for apartment dwellers who want to grow carrots on their balconies is the Carrot Rust Fly is not a good flyer. It is unlikely to infest their highrise crop.
Wireworm is another problem pest for carrots. Wireworms are the larva of click beetles. They are about an inch and a half long, slender and reddish brown. When squeezed they turn as rigid as a wire, hence the name. Wireworms chew irregular holes through roots making the carrots inedible. Wireworms prefer a moist soil so preparing your carrot bed so that it is well drained will help. Interplanting with mustard leaf is an excellent way to discourage wireworm damage. The flavour of the mustard is one deterent and mustard also helps to dry out the soil forcing the wireworm away from the roots.
Predatory nematodes are an effective control for both Carrot Rust Fly and wireworm. Apply generously in the spring when the larva of both pests are most active.
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