How to grow carrots at home and health benefits of carrots

                 

Growing carrots at home and their health benefits to human

Carrots can grow at home and are a good source of supplements that are of great health benefit to human beings. Carrots are root vegetables and require loose soil so that they do not encounter any resistance. I prefer to grow carrots in compost soil on a raised bed.

Carrot seeds are very small, hence you need to be very careful when planting them since it is very easy to plant a lot of seeds in a very small place. 

Growing carrots at home step by step

Step 1: Seed sowing 

Healthy carrots seed grow by sprinkling them evenly over the soil surface rather than transplanting. Carrots hate it when their roots are disturbed. Separate closely packed seedlings for better growth (thinning). Cover the seed with a very thin layer of soil to increase the percentage of seed emergence.

Step 2: Germination of seed 

With the many varieties of carrots available, carrots are easily grown in big containers, garden beds, and even in small pots. Firm the soil gently and water the bed immediately after covering the seeds. Place the container in full sunlight as carrots prefer sun all day long. Choose a spot where your carrots will get enough sunlight and keep the soil a little moist at all times for good germination. Carrot seeds will germinate within 6-8 days. 

Step 3: Weeding 

Remove weeds as they appear, loosen the weeds along the soil surface, and pull them out by hands carefully not to disturb the growing carrot root while doing so.

Step 4: Thinning

A few weeks after germination when the seedlings are about 2-3 inches tall, pluck two seedlings per 2inc space for small growing varieties, and 1 seedling per 2 inches for large varieties. Select the strongest and tallest seedling in each spot and remove the weak once. Carrot plant should be spaced 1-2 inches apart for proper root development.

Again, remember to keep the soil a little moist all the time and do not let the soil dry for any extended amount of time.

Benefits of carrots to our bodies

Carrots are the most popular vegetable after potatoes. Carrots are an excellent source of dietary fiber, starch, vitamin C, K, and BB with Potassium, Copper, and manganese. Carrots promote heart health due to their dietary fiber and antioxidants. These help with better circulation of blood and keep your heart healthy. 

Carrots also promote skin growth, they contain antioxidants and vitamin A which protect skin from sun damage and also prevent wrinkling, dry skin, and help your skin glowing. This vegetable contains lutein beta-carotene (a form of vitamin A) which keeps your vision sharp as well as prevent various eye disorders

Various studies have shown that carrots reduce the risk of breast cancer, lung cancer, and colon cancer. Carrots also help to fight cancerous cells in the body, lower blood pressure due to their high sources of Potassium which helps in normalizing blood pressure and also keeps the immune system strong as carrots contain a huge amount of beta-carotene that act as antiseptic and antibacterial content.

 Article By Jane Wambura