How to Manage Pests

Dense or rocky soil in carrots

Roots of carrots that have been planted in hard soil may be hairy, forked, and misshapen.

Identification

The forking and stubbing of carrot roots characteristic of hard soil can also be caused by nematodes, overwatering, or root dieback (Pythium spp.)

Solutions

Avoid planting carrots in heavy soils. Plant in light soils such as sandy loam. Remove rocks from soil. Maintain uniform soil moisture at seed depth until seedlings emerge.

Forked carrot roots