Growing clean vegetables at home has become a popular trend today, in which colorful carrots such as purple, yellow, red and white not only provide adequate nutrients for meals but also help create a beautiful garden for the family.
In particular, with moderate area, natural light and airy space, the terrace should be an ideal choice for growing vegetables.
There are many varieties of carrots available in the market, including purple, red, yellow and white. Each variety has its own nutritional value but all contain antioxidants and vitamins that are essential for good health.
When choosing colored carrot varieties, housewives should carefully research their ability to adapt to local climates, as each variety will have different temperature and light requirements.
For example, purple carrots contain a lot of anthocyanin which has antioxidant effects and is good for the heart; yellow carrots are rich in lutein, which is good for the eyes and boosts the immune system; red carrots contain lycopene which beautifies the skin and is good for the immune system; white carrots are rich in fiber and are good for the digestive system.
When planting, you need loose, well-drained soil to help carrots grow easily. You should choose a pot with a minimum depth of 30cm so that the carrots have enough space for the roots to grow. The pot also needs drainage holes to avoid waterlogging which can damage the roots.
Housewives should also consider using a mixture of soil mixed with organic fertilizer or vermicompost to increase porosity and provide nutrients for carrots. Sand can be added to make the soil more airy and drain better.
Choose to place the carrot pot in a place with direct sunlight, as it needs at least 6 hours of sunlight per day for photosynthesis and good growth.
Soak carrot seeds in warm water for 2-4 hours before sowing to increase the ability to germinate quickly. Then, sow the seeds directly on the ground and cover with a thin layer of soil. Water gently to moisten the soil and do not wash away the seeds. Carrot seeds will germinate in 10-14 days, depending on weather conditions.
After the seedlings reach about 5cm, add organic fertilizer or vermicompost to provide nutrients. Note to fertilize about 5cm away from the base of the plant to avoid damaging the young roots. When the plants are about 7-10cm high, prune the weak plants, keeping only the healthy ones so that the carrots have more space to grow.
Carrots grown on the terrace are less susceptible to pests and diseases than those grown directly in the ground. However, the plants can still encounter some diseases such as root worms, mold or leaf-eating worms. To limit pests and diseases, check the plants regularly to detect pests and diseases in time.
If available, prioritize the use of natural pest control methods, such as spraying ginger water or. Keep the pot and terrace area clean and airy to avoid creating a favorable environment for mold growth.
Carrots are usually harvested about 70 to 100 days after sowing, depending on the variety and care conditions. When the leaves begin to turn yellow and the carrots are large enough, they can be harvested by gently lifting the carrots out of the soil with your hands or a small shovel.