Top Hat boxes for carrots and potatoes

kellyvaughn 6/7/2015, 3:27 pm

I am a brand new SFG gardener in central NC. I planted two squares of carrots about 6 weeks ago. The construction of my top hat boxes kept getting delayed until yesterday. Now my carrot plants are 12" high. I am using Eskimo carrots, and according to the seed catalog, they will grow 5.5" carrots.

Likewise, I planted a Tomtato (ketchup and friend - grafted tomato/potato plant) about 6 weeks ago. It is now about three feet tall.

I have the top hat boxes I need, but I am wondering if it the right thing to do to pale the top hat boxes on these larger plants and fill them ail soil.

I have the SFG Answer book and it only discussed how to use the top hat box with a young potato plant. Should I go ahead with using my top hat boxes, or just save them for next season?

littlejo 6/7/2015, 4:32 pm

White potatoes that are indeterminate would be fine, for you add MM as the plant grows, but, for carrots, that grow long roots from seed, the top hat needs to be on and filled with MM before you plant the seeds. Tomatoes need a trellis, stakes, etc, but no need for a top hat.
Jo

**sanderson** 6/8/2015, 3:21 am

kellyvaughn, Welcome to the Forum from California! $glad you\'re here$
Ditto, No top hat for carrots at this point. If you want to grow longer carrots in the future, set the top hat and fill before sowing the seeds.

**AtlantaMarie** 6/8/2015, 8:06 am

Hi Kellyvaughn. Welcome from Atlanta, GA.

Well, at least you have gotten a start on next year's carrots! Laughing

Getting a head start is always good!

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Top Hat boxes for carrots and potatoes

Top Hat boxes for carrots and potatoes

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Re: Top Hat boxes for carrots and potatoes

Re: Top Hat boxes for carrots and potatoes

Re: Top Hat boxes for carrots and potatoes


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