CARROTS

With some careful planning and attention, carrots are a snap to grow. These Vitamin A-rich veggies require a fertilizer that is low in nitrogen, and high in phosphorus. They do best when planted from seed rather than transplants, and thinning is imperative to prevent twisted or crooked roots. Carrots grow very well in peat-based growing media; do not require a heavy amount of water, but perform well in consistently moist soils--which make them ideal for growing in the gardening system. You're more likely to find four-footed critters rather than buggy pests around this crop--deer, rabbits, and woodchucks can all destroy this delectable crop. Once harvested, carrots can be stored for more than a month in the refridgerator. Freezing and canning are also great ways to preserve this sweet harvest for a later consumption.

COMMON PESTS: Aphids, Flea Beetles, Leaf Hoppers, Carrot Rust Flies

SUSCEPTIBLE TO: Damping Off, Downy Mildew, Powdery mildew, Blight, Yellow Disease, Black Rot