Blog

When to Plant Carrots in Marion County, MS

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.

Marion County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 8 and the first fall frost is November 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 257 days.

At an elevation of 330 feet, Marion County receives approximately 48.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91Β°F, providing good warmth for Carrots during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Carrots, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Marion County, MS (Zone 8a) Long season
257 days
Last Spring Frost March 8
257 growing days
First Fall Frost November 20

Marion County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.3-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Carrots

Carrots needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Carrots Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 3.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 3.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" πŸ’§ Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.7" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Sep 4.3" 4" 0.3" πŸ’§ Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Marion County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Carrots Planting Timeline β€” Marion County, MS

Carrots Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Direct Sow February 22 Feb 22 – Mar 15
Harvest April 26 Apr 26 – May 31
Fall Sowing September 11 Sep 11 – Sep 25

Plant 0.5" deep Β· 6" apart Β· Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
February Direct Sow
March Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June β€”
July β€”
August β€”
September Fall Sowing
October β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

60–80 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–6.8 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

πŸ“† Growing Season

257 days in Marion County

Growing Tips for Marion County

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

  • Dill
  • Parsnip

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Carrots Seeds
Life Cycle Biennial
Pollination Cross-Pollinated (insects)
How to Collect Replant roots for 2nd year flowers. Harvest umbels when brown.
Storage Store airtight; viable 3 years at 35Β°F, under 50% humidity.

Isolate 1/2 mile from Queen Anne's Lace (wild carrot). Biennial β€” requires two seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Carrots in Marion County, MS?

Marion County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 8. Plan your Carrots planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Marion County, MS?

Marion County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 8 and first fall frost is November 20.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Marion County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Marion County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.