Carrots (Daucus carota) are always sown directly where they will grow, as transplanting damages the taproot and causes forked roots. The best roots come from deep, loose, sandy loam free of stones and fresh manure. Sow early varieties from late March and main crops in April and May, 1–2 cm deep in rows 25 cm apart. Germination is slow – up to three weeks – so mix in a few radish seeds to mark the rows, and keep the surface moist until seedlings appear. Thin in stages to 3–5 cm apart; do it in the evening and firm the soil afterwards, because the smell of bruised foliage attracts carrot fly. Covering the bed with fine mesh or growing rows of onions or leeks alongside helps against this pest. Pull young carrots from July. Lift main crops in October before hard frost, twist off the tops and store the roots in boxes of damp sand in a cool cellar.