When to plant Carrots in St. Johns County, FL
Aim to plant Carrots in St. Johns County on or after January 19; the window stays open through February 9. St. Johns County's 297-day frost-free season gives you plenty of room for a spring and fall cycle. A second sowing from October 7 to October 21 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Carrots in St. Johns County, FL
St. Johns County, Florida gardeners: here's your July plan
Each item below is timed to St. Johns County, Florida's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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.
St. Johns County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and the first fall frost is December 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 296 days.
At an elevation of 57 feet, St. Johns County receives approximately 51.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°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.
St. Johns County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.9-6.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Carrots 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 St. Johns County
How your county's soil matches Carrots's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.1) is more acidic than Carrots prefers (6.0–6.8). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in St. Johns County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Carrots will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.5%). 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 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 07.
Carrots 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 | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.5" | 2.4" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3.5" | 2.8" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.5" | 2.8" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.5" | 2.1" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 3.5" | 2.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in St. Johns 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 — St. Johns County, FL
Carrots Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Direct Sow | January 19 | Jan 19 – Feb 9 |
| Harvest | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 27 |
| Fall Sowing | October 7 | Oct 7 – Oct 21 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Direct Sow |
| February | Direct Sow |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | — |
| 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 9b
📆 Growing Season
296 days in St. Johns County
Growing Tips for Carrots in St. Johns County
Direct sow Carrots outdoors after February 09 in St. Johns County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in St. Johns 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 99°F in St. Johns 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 St. Johns County, FL?
St. Johns County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 9. Plan your Carrots planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is St. Johns County, FL?
St. Johns County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and first fall frost is December 2.
When should I plant Carrots in St. Johns County, FL?
In St. Johns County, FL, plant Carrots after the last frost (around February 9) and before the first frost (around December 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is St. Johns County, FL for Carrots?
St. Johns County sits in USDA Zone 9b. Carrots grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Carrots grow in St. Johns County's climate?
Yes — Carrots grows well in St. Johns County's temperate climate. St. Johns County averages a 297-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 9 and first frost around December 2.
Your St. Johns County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for St. Johns County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.