1. Part One: Build/Buy A Box How you obtain the box is not important. You can build, or buy it (please do not steal it). The box needs the proper dimensions. It would be 8 inches deep (A little more or less is fine). The length and width of the box are up to you. The larger they are the more you can plant. My box is 1 foot long, by 6 and ¾ inches wide, and 7 and ¾ inches deep. It is made from ½ inch pine wood and screws. I recommend screws, nails, or some sort of adhesive to hold your box together. Without it your box may have trouble holding dirt. (The screws in to top of the box are so I can add rope and hang my box from my bed) *I built it all by myself. If I can do this, then you can too.

2. Part Two: Gettin’ Dirty This part is not as sexy as the title implies, but it is important. To grow carrots you need dirt. This step is not optional (though the last step wasn’t really optional either). So, go outside and get dirt. Carrots grow best in sandier soil. I asked my dog for help with the dirt. He had already dug a hole, saving me the trouble of digging through the pre-existing vegetation (grass). *He has given me permission to use his image in this context. ← This is dirt. I put it in my box with a shovel. Do NOT over complicate this step.

3. Part Three: The Sh*t Hits The Fan Carrots need nutrition, and unfortunately the sandy soil you have out in your box does not have much. Horse/other large herbivore manure does, however, have lots of nutrition (but don’t eat it yourself). So, mix it in with your dirt. Be careful to avoid fresh manure. It has too high of a nitrate concentration and may kill your carrots. Pick up what has been laying around for a while. Another option to add nutrition to the soil is the use of composted materials. Its much like horse manure, in that it also smells bad. Whichever you choose, make sure to mix it with your dirt well. I was feeling in tune with nature and used my hands to add the compost to my dirt. If you are less inclined to try that you can always use a shovel.

4. Part Four: Planting Your Seed Get carrot seeds. There are a variety of seeds that will all yield different carrots. I recommend choosing seeds that yield small carrots, as your box is not enormous. Poke holes in the dirt. They should be less than an inch deep. I only made two rows, so as not to overcrowd my carrots. Much like teenagers, carrots need their space. Put the seeds in the whole. Put 2-4 in each hole to increase the likelihood that a carrot will grow. Cover the holes will dirt, and lightly pack it down. You have now planted carrots! How exciting!

5. Part Five: Carrot Care Carrots NEED water!!! Give them water. A “watering can” can easily be made if you do not own one. Find a plastic water bottle, a lighter, and a paper clip. Use the lighter to heat the cap of the bottle. With the paperclip, poke holes in the heated plastic. Fill your bottle with water. Put the cap on. You know have a watering can, that will release water in a controlled spray when squeezed.

6. Part Six: Carrot Care Continued Carrots need sunlight. So place them near a window that gets sun for about half the day. Perhaps carrots don’t need love, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to give them some. With enough care and a touch of good luck you will have your very own carrots in 2-3 months.