When planting seeds it feels fortuitous to intone sincere benedictions on the little buggers, considering the unknown challenges sure to come about between then and harvest time. So it was back in April when we here at Fair Mountain Farm planted a row of carrots earlier than ever. With snows still on the hills, but a fluffy bed prepped and warmed, we felt encouraged by the fast-approaching spring and sowed with little hesitation. And then, Spring took her sweet time.
Having just ripped out said row of Rainbow Carrots this past week, due to pre-mature bolting and poor development . . . I have surmised that my benedictions must not have lasted the duration. A long duration it was. On the one hand, we could have had carrots earlier than ever, but on the other, we probably won’t try that experiment again. Next time, we’ll make use of a low tunnel or our hoop houses to buffer the effects of the fiesty Spring gods.
Realizing that our original carrot row would not be spectacular, we re-planted in the third week of June. These plants are growing quickly and should be fine. Herein lies a rule of thumb: when in doubt, really about anything at all, just plant again. 
Don’t wait and coax too much, especially if your income depends upon the veggies. For what seeds cost, if you have the space, just go for it.
Other problem solving tidbits: we’ve covered the strawberry rows with cover cloth so as to enjoy the fruits before the birds. And we are now covering newly planted rows the same day of seeding if there is a chance of flea beetle; these suckers are pocking things like Asian greens and arugula as if engaged in their own World War III. What can I say? I love the spice too. Some customers have been so kind as to say, “well, at least I know it’s organic, what with the destruction.” Hmm . . . thanks for the positive outlook?
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