Your summer garden might be winding down, but those empty vegetable beds could still have something to offer. Carrots are one of the more rewarding cool-season crops because they tolerate chilly temperatures, store well, and can develop excellent flavor during autumn. However, getting them established before the ground becomes too cold requires a little more planning than simply scattering seeds into the soil.
Unlike radishes that can mature in just a few weeks, most carrots need considerably longer to develop usable roots. According to the University of Maryland, many varieties take approximately 65 to 75 days to mature, and fall planting should generally begin 10 to 12 weeks before the first expected frost. Learning how to grow carrots in fall can help gardeners make better use of existing beds, avoid wasted seed purchases, and potentially enjoy homegrown vegetables well into winter.
