When to Plant Carrots in Mercer County, PA
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.
Mercer County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 6 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.
At an elevation of 63 feet, Mercer County receives approximately 43.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Carrots to ensure they mature before fall.
Mercer County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.5
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.
Plant Water Budget
Carrots Planting Timeline — Mercer County, PA
Carrots Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | April 22 | Apr 22 – May 13 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Harvest | June 24 | Jun 24 – Jul 29 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–80 days
Soil pH
6 – 6.8
USDA Zone
Zone 5b
Growing Season
164 days
Growing Tips for Mercer 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
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 Mercer County, PA?
Mercer County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 6. Plan your Carrots planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Mercer County, PA?
Mercer County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 6 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Mercer County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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