Natural Healers- Carrot

 Grown for many centuries in SE Europe and Western Asia, it was not until the sixteenth century that the British learned to cultivate the carrot. It is best grown in a light, well-drained soil, and in full sun (especially early crops). It will not do well in clay, but can be grown in a deep pot, if that's all you've got to work with. It doesn't like recently manured or stony ground either, and should follow brassicas or potatoes on an established plot.
 The first sowings can be made in March in the UK, but under clotches or a poly-tunnel that has already been on the intended bed for at least 2 weeks, to warm the soil up. This March sowing should be of short rooted varieties.
 The longer rooted varieties can be sown around mid April, depending on which bit of the UK you live in. At the end of the day, if you plant too early, the only thing that will happen is- well, nothing. They just won't grow. Hardly life changing.
 It is recommended that your long roots should be planted in rows 12 inches apart and thinned out eventually to 3 or 4 inches between each plant. That's the recommendation; it isn't the law. Experiment. If you haven't much space, put them closer together. Who am I? the Veg-police?

 You might want to chose a dull day or late afternoon/ early evening for thinning, so that the aroma from the leaves doesn't reach the carrot fly. And while we're on the subject of the carrot fly, you might consider planting your garlic with your carrots. Rosemary also repels carrot fly, but rather likes to stay in one place, so is, perhaps, not so practical.
  As a food, carrots are known to aid digestion and control cholesterol. They are rich in beta-carotene, which enables the body to make vitamin A. They also contain silicon (which is good for skin and nails) which together with lycopene and lutein, promotes eye health. The anti-oxidants they contain are thought to "enliven" the liver.
 A raw carrot a day can reduce the risk of some of the cancers of the digestive system, and the essential oil it contains can protect against internal parasites. Raw carrots are also beneficial for your and your dog's teeth.
 Carrots are best if they are as fresh as possible, as their beta-carotene starts to decline as soon as they're pulled. Juicing gives the highest concentrate of beta-carotene, and a soup can be beneficial in soothing digestive upsets.
  NB: There is conflicting opinion on whether diabetics should eat carrots, and though the latest evidence is in the carrot's favour, you might want to check carrots in your diet with your doctor.
  Remember, as with beetroot, you can also eat the tops of carrots- they're not just there for the family guinea pig. The green foliage is rich in proteins, vitamins and minerals, and can be chopped and added to salads and stir-fries.
  You might want to learn even more about carrots and their benefits at the World Carrot Museum. Just click to be redirected. Who knew carrots could be so- er- interesting...?