When to Plant Carrots in Albemarle County, VA
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.
Albemarle County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 198 days.
At an elevation of 1,017 feet, Albemarle County receives approximately 48.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Carrots during the growing season.
Albemarle County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.7
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 — Albemarle County, VA
Carrots Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Fall Sowing | August 19 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
| Harvest | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jul 6 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Direct Sow |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 7a
Growing Season
198 days
Growing Tips for Albemarle 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 Albemarle County, VA?
Albemarle County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Carrots planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Albemarle County, VA?
Albemarle County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 28.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Albemarle County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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