After weeks of watering, thinning, and careful tending, your carrots are finally ready to come out of the ground. Harvesting carrots isn’t just about timing — it’s about knowing how to pull them gently and preserve the quality you’ve grown.
When Are Carrots Ready?
Most carrot varieties are ready 60–75 days after sowing, but the best signs are:
- Bright green, full tops (not floppy or yellowing)
- Root shoulders peeking above the soil surface
- Carrots are about ¾ to 1 inch thick near the top
You can pull a test carrot to check flavor and size — baby carrots are sweet and tender, while larger ones tend to be more robust.
How to Harvest Without Breaking Roots
- Water lightly the day before to soften the soil
- Use a garden fork or trowel to loosen the soil beside the row — don’t stab directly near the carrot
- Pull gently from the base of the greens, twisting slightly if needed
- Brush off soil gently, but don’t wash until you’re ready to use or store
Avoid yanking if the soil is dry or compact — this can snap the carrot in half.
After the Pull
- Trim greens to ½ inch to prevent moisture loss
- Store unwashed carrots in a cool, dark place or fridge drawer
- Use fresh ones right away — or store in damp sand for long-term freshness
AiFarming knows your harvest window: We calculate maturity dates based on your sowing schedule and local climate, sending timely harvest alerts. Our yield logging tool helps you track weight, size, and quality — so next season is even better.