Carrot Top Photos Reveal WhatÕs Hidden Underneath - Carrot Bottoms

If you know your carrots, you can tell what’s on the business end of the carrot plant just by looking at carrot top photos. Those fine, feathery green leaves on top, that look good enough to eat-- are in fact, good enough to eat. And healthy for you, too. These leafy kitchen discards from the countertops are more nutritious than their counterparts below. Actually, the carrot is nutritional from top to bottom. With Vitamin A and beta carotene, essential eye foods, found in the carrot itself. With carrot tops supplying as much minerals as any other leafy green vegetable. A picture perfect plant and the treasure of many home gardens—carrots are easily grown directly from seed with no transplants needed.

The time to sow carrot seeds is mainly dependent on the climate you live in and the variety of carrots you choose to grow. Check your gardening catalog for exact zones. Since all varieties are hardy, all may be planted in early spring, and left in the garden until fall. Carrots grow best in cool weather. Their tops, used as greens and in soups and salads, can be harvested while the plants are young.

Seed companies supply carrot varieties depending on your carrot preference and soil type. Just be careful and use your green thumb. Don’t try growing a 7” carrot in a 4” soil bed.

Below are some varieties and their ideal soil preferences:

• Red-Cored Chantenay - 6 inch roots, grows well in heavy clay soils, tender
• Danvers Half Long - tapered roots average 6-1/2 to 7-inches long, stores well
• Little Finger - 3 to 5 inches long, -in round, grows well in heavy soils, sweetest
• Thumbelina - 2-inch golf ball sized round carrot, for rocky or clay soils

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