Carrot buggers!

[curly_kate]

What are the creepy-crawlies that eat carrots? I grew some this year that would be perfectly lovely, except something underground was gnawing little tunnels thru them. What can I do to get rid of them?

 

[bills]

I feel for you as I have had the same problem. My carrots are perfect, except for the very small black tunnels that appear on the root. I use most of my carrots for juicing, so I simply cut out the areas, but it makes for a lot of work, that I would prefer not having to do. As I grow an organic garden it makes it a lot harder to prevent the problem. I suspect that my problem is the carrot rust fly, but there are other pests that can cause it as well.

Here is a link to a site that lists the potential pest's, and some control methods that may be helpful.
http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/facts/93-077.htm
Good luck next crop, as it's too late for the ones you now have growing.

 

[OaklandCityFarmer]

Wireworms and carrot rust fly can do some nasty damage to root crops.

Deep tilling in the fall and spring and even a spraying of Bt on the soil can help control them. Beneficial nematodes can also help when spray in the beginning of the growing season.