When to Plant Carrots in Union County, FL
Carrots are a popular root vegetable available in orange, purple, white, and yellow varieties. They are rich in beta-carotene and have a sweet, earthy flavor.
Union County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 1 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 271 days.
At an elevation of 360 feet, Union County receives approximately 60.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Carrots may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Carrots will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Carrots root diseases.
Union County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.2-6
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Union County
How your county's soil matches Carrots's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.0) is more acidic than Carrots prefers (6.0–6.8). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Union County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Carrots will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Carrots.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.3%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Carrots.
How to Plant Carrots
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Carrots
Sow every 6.9 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 08 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 02.
Plant Water Budget
Carrots Planting Timeline — Union County, FL
Carrots Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | February 8 | Feb 8 – Mar 1 |
| Fall Sowing | October 2 | Oct 2 – Oct 16 |
| Harvest | April 12 | Apr 12 – May 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Direct Sow |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.8 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
271 days in Union County
Growing Tips for Carrots in Union County
Direct sow Carrots outdoors after March 01 in Union County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Union County dries quickly — mulch Carrots with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 96°F in Union County, provide afternoon shade for Carrots and water deeply in the morning.
Common pests for Carrots in this region include carrot rust fly and parsleyworm. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.
General growing tips
Sow seeds directly in loose, stone-free soil for straight roots. Keep soil moist until germination which can take 2-3 weeks. Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Isolate 1/2 mile from Queen Anne's Lace (wild carrot). Biennial — requires two seasons.
Carrots in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Carrots in Union County, FL?
Union County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 1. Plan your Carrots planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Union County, FL?
Union County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 1 and first fall frost is November 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Union County gardeners in Zone 9a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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