Carrots are in a class of the healthiest vegetables consumed by people. These veggies contain huge amounts of vitamins and minerals, such as beta carotene, which gets changed into Vitamin A, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. Growing carrots indoors is an excellent opportunity to get fresh homegrown vegetables virtually at any time of the year, even when one doesn't have a backyard or garden space. Indoor farming usually gives one more control over the better growing environment: better light, better temperature, and better soil. 

Why Grow Carrots Indoors?

Growing carrots indoors comes with manifold benefits; some of them are:

Year-Round Harvest

 You grow carrots irrespective of the season.

Fresh Produce

Fresh carrots, free from pesticides, are grown at your own facility.

Space-Efficient

Informed small apartments or homes benefit a lot from growing carrots in containers.

 Environmental Control

 Indoor growing conditions allow the producer to have more control over the temperature, light and moisture conditions and hence provide far better regularity in growth.

Best Varieties of Carrots that can be Grown Indoors.

Not all varieties of carrots are going to be suitable indoors, as the root system is going to be so much smaller indoors in containers. One possible variety/cultivar that could be suggested for this is:

Thumbelina:

 Varietal sweet, rounded-about 2" diameter. Small size in pots and containers.

Little Finger: 

This is a small narrow type of carrot that grows about 4" in length. It matured more quickly and can be grown in containers with perfection. 

Parisian: 

These carrots are amongst the shortest varieties of carrots. They are available as round carrots and have a sweet flavor. These carrots develop well in shallow soil too and hence are ideal for areas having less space. 

Chantenay: 

These carrots grow in length up to 6 inches; however, they are short and stumpier in appearance. They are a good variety for indoor containers.

Nantes: 

Nantes carrots are 7" long but quite thin, so this too is a good variety for growing in deeper containers.

What You Will Need to Grow Carrots Indoors

 1.Containers

Carrots belong to the category of root vegetables and, as such require deep pots. Any container/ pot that has a depth of at least 12 inches will suffice. You will come across 14 to 16-inch deep containers for those kinds that happen to grow longer in size, such as Nantes and Chantenay. Make sure there is sufficient drainage on the bottom because you would not want water to collect at the bottom.

Types of Containers:

•Terra cotta pots

•Plastic pots

•Fabric grow bags - great for breathing purposes because it prohibits over watering.

 2. Potting Mix

Carrots grow straight, long roots in loose and well-draining soil. The potting mix must be light and airy and well endowed with organic matter. Hard compacted soil discourages the growing of the roots.

Suggested Potting Mix:

•One good vegetable potting mix. Or do your own combining equal quantity peat moss (or coco coir), perlite and vermiculite.

•Add compost or worm castings to it for extra nutrition.

3. Seeds

Buy a pack of good variety carrot seeds of your desired type. If possible, go for untreated and organic seeds.

4. Lighting

They need full sun-6 to 8 hours of daily sun-to grow well. If you happen not to have a window having ample sun, then you can go ahead and use grow lights to enhance the lighting.

Light Options:

• Sunlight: Placed where the carrot plantlets need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, the carrots can sit in front of an open west- or south-facing window.

• Grow Lights: Alternatively, full-spectrum LED grow lights can do their job by giving your carrots a taste of sunlight, in case most of the days during winter are short.

5.Watering cycle or spray bottle 

For carrots to germinate and develop, the soil should be kept moist at all times. Too much water creates root rot. A watering can or spray bottle will help in making the seedbed even moist but well-drained.

6. Fertilizer

While carrots do not require much feeding, they appreciate balanced fertilizer once every 4 to 6 weeks. Low-nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium-enriched fertilizers may be applied to favor the root development.

How to Grow Carrots Indoors - Step by Step 

Step 1: Prepare the Container

Fill it with potting mix, leaving about 1-2 inches from the top of the container for watering. If you have a big container, here is an opportunity to mix in some slow-release fertilizer; that would help give the carrot extra nutrition throughout its growth cycle.

 Step 2: Sow the Seeds

The seeds of carrots are so small and usually quite difficult to distribute evenly over the surface. Thin the seeds over the soil surface covering with fine soil or sand about ¼ inch deep. If desired the seeds may be soaked for a few hours in water to hasten germination.

Spacing: Carrots are a cool-season crop and develop by having spaces between each other. You will, therefore have it in the clear if you sow the seeds an inch apart. You may want to thin them later during growth season when the seedlings are bigger.

Step 3: Watering 

 Waterings Water lightly but thoroughly after sowing. Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy in the time it may take to germinate, 10 to 21 days.

Pro Tip: Seal it with plastic wrap or a clear lid. This would create a mini-greenhouse effect that, in effect, could help in the retention of moisture, hence hastening germination.

Step 4: Light and Temperature

Put the container in a bright location; if it is under natural light, then the window should have received at least a minimum of 6 hours of sun. If no good sunlight is available, use grow lights with a timer for a run of 12-16 hours daily.

Temperature: This largely requires that the carrots grow in a temperature range between 55-75°F or 13-24°C. Indoor places should experience these kinds of temperatures whenever possible for the carrots to grow.

Your seedlings have reached a length of anything between one to two inches. That is when you would want to thin them out.

Step 5: Thinning 

 Remove the weaker seedling so that the healthy seedlings will have room to set up a good root system. Give about 2-3 inch spacing between every plant.

Step 6: Further Care

•Watering: It should be kept moist but not waterlogged in order to avoid any disease or root rot. Carrot plants are somewhat sensitive to drought; therefore, light and frequent irrigation goes very well.

•Fertilization: Application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once every 4-6 weeks gives the best result. If the foliage growth appears much ahead of root growth, then this high intake of nitrogenous fertilizers needs to be brought to a minimum.

•Pest Control: Indoor gardening has fewer pest issues but get ready to check your plants for the infestation of aphids or fungus gnats. You may control it organically by neem oil or insecticidal soap application.

How to Harvest Your Indoor Carrots

The carrots will be ready in about 60-80 days from planting time, depending on the variety in use.

 Here are just a few signs that your carrots are ready for digging up:

• Size: You may need to carefully shave off a little of the soil around the crown foliage in order to measure for size on your carrot tops.

• Foliage: Leaves become yellowish or brownish in color. By this time, you may already gather your carrots.

• Firmness: Pull the carrot tops lightly. If the firmness and fullness of the root are proper, then it is ready to pull.

To harvest, simply but firmly pull them out of the soil by the tops. Remove excess soil from the roots and air-dry before storage.

Common Problems and Solutions.

Poor or Uneven Germination  

Carrot seeds take their time to germinate-particularly if the soil is allowed to dry out at anytime, or temperature fluctuates. To ensure even germination:

•Mist the soil to prevent drying out. 

•Seal the container with Saran Wrap to mimic a humid greenhouse effect.

Forked or Misshapen Carrots

Why carrots take on odd shapes:

•Soil compacted

•Too many plants packed in

Stones or debris in soil

Avoid this by using airy, loose potting mix, and don't forget to thin out your seedlings in time.

Leggy Seedlings

This would be sort of a tell-tale sign when things go wrong, and just simply the seedlings are not getting enough light. Move them closer to the window or increase the duration under the grow lights.

Yellow or Stunted Leaves

Yellow or stunted leaves depict nutrient deficiency, or overwatering can be an issue. Feed it with a balanced fertilizer, and the following day of watering, check the moisture condition of the soil.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Indoor Carrot Yield

Indoor growing of carrots is considered somewhat rewarding; it will bring fresh, nutritious food items seasonally throughout the year. Indeed, with the right variety and best care, having your keen eye on minute details, in or about two months or so, this will be fairly satisfying indoors. These few expert tips can be followed with ease by seasonal gardeners and beginners too to reach success in this indoor carrot-growing venture.