Carrots are sown directly where they are to grow in rows 15 cm apart and thinned as the roots develop to 2.5cm between the plants - the thinnings can be eaten. Plant in ground which was manured in a previous year as fresh manure can cause forked and twisted roots, as will stones and a shallow bed. To avoid root flies cover with fleece as soon as they begin to grow and keep it there until the crop is harvested. Arrange it over hoops and anchor it in the soil so there are no gaps. Try to sow as thinly as possible to reduce the amount of thinning, as the smell of crushed foliage attracts the root flies. Sow at 4 to 6 week intervals for a succession of crops. Uneven watering can cause the developing roots to burst if a large amount is applied after a period of drought.
Parsnips are grown in a similar way as for carrots, but the rows should be 30 cm apart and thin to 15 cm between plants. Fresh manure, acid conditions and irregular watering can lead to Canker, the main disease of parsnips for which there is no chemical treatment. Root flies are not as big a problem as they are for carrots, but they can also attack parsnips, so give them similar protection.
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