When to Plant Carrots in Brevard 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.
Brevard County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 19 and the first fall frost is December 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 335 days.
At an elevation of 491 feet, Brevard County receives approximately 52.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 104°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.
Brevard County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.8-5.9
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 Brevard County
How your county's soil matches Carrots's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–5.9) is more acidic than Carrots prefers (6.0–6.8). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Brevard 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 (1.6%). 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 Oct 01 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 25.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Carrots
Carrots needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Carrots Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 3.5" | 2.2" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Feb | 3.5" | 3.1" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3.5" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 2.5" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.5" | 1.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 3.5" | 2.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Brevard County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Carrots Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Carrots Planting Timeline — Brevard County, FL
Carrots Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | December 29 | Dec 29 – Jan 19 |
| Harvest | March 2 | Mar 2 – Apr 6 |
| Fall Sowing | October 25 | Oct 25 – Nov 8 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Direct Sow |
| February | — |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | Fall Sowing |
| December | Direct Sow |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
60–80 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–6.8 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
335 days in Brevard County
Growing Tips for Carrots in Brevard County
Direct sow Carrots outdoors after January 19 in Brevard County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Brevard 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 104°F in Brevard 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
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 Brevard County, FL?
Brevard County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of January 19. Plan your Carrots planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Brevard County, FL?
Brevard County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is January 19 and first fall frost is December 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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