Support through charitable giving is fundamental to our mission of repairing the world, one seed at a time. West Coast Seeds held a call for submissions of original artwork for a chance to be featured on one of our seed packets. 100% of the proceeds of the artist seed packets sold will go towards a registered Canadian charity, selected by the winning artists. From hundreds of beautiful entries, two winners were chosen and we’re proud to feature their art on two seed packets. These artworks exemplify creativity and growth, beautifully demonstrating our connection to the garden as a playground for expression, a source of joy and wellness.
It's important to us to highlight the artists and their valuable contribution to the world of gardening and their chosen cause. Seed packets will be available online into 2023. Keep an eye out on our social, newsletters, and in our gardening guide for further info on the artist seed packets.
Shelley Hudson recognizes that through caring about the world around us, growth can produce an inspiring abundance of life and colour. Her watercolour artwork strives to raise more awareness around the necessity of sustainable gardening practices with a positive outlook.
With proceeds benefitting the Canadian Red Cross, Shelley encourages support for the organization as they carry out impactful work in Ukraine and around the world.
Order the Bolero Carrot Artist Seed Packet
Timing
Direct sow from just after the last frost date to late summer for harvests from summer through early winter. Sow at 3 week intervals for a continuous harvest. Direct sow winter-harvest carrots (where winters are mild) in the first two weeks of August. Optimal soil temperature: 7-30°C (45-85°F). Seeds may take as long as 14-21 days to germinate.
Starting
Because carrot seeds are tiny, they need to be sown shallowly. The trick is to keep the top-most layer of soil damp during the relatively long germination period. Water deeply prior to planting. Direct sow the tiny seeds 5mm (¼”) deep, 4 seeds per 2cm (1″), and firm soil lightly after seeding. Make sure the seeds are only just buried. Water the area with the gentlest stream possible, and keep it constantly moist until the seeds sprout.
Growing
Ideal pH: 6.0-6.8. The softer and more humus-based the soil, the better. When soil is dry enough in spring, work it to a fine texture. Broadcast and dig in ½ cup complete organic fertilizer for every 3m (10′) of row. Avoid fresh manure. Carrots will become misshapen, but still edible if they hit anything hard as they grow down into the soil. Keep weeded and watered.
Thinning
This is the process of removing some seedlings, if necessary, so each has enough space to grow in the row. It is very important to thin carrots so they don’t compete for available nutrients, moisture, and light. Thin to 4-10cm (1½-4″) apart when the young plants are 2cm (1″) tall. Use wider spacing to get larger roots. As they grow, carrots may push up, out of the soil, so hill soil up to prevent getting a green shoulder.
Here are some more good tips on how to grow carrots from seed.
Harvest
Carrots can be harvested at any size, but flavour is best when the carrot has turned bright orange - or its other mature colour. After harvest, store at cold temperatures just above 0ºC. Store in sand or sawdust, or simply leave carrots under heaped soil in the garden during the winter, and pull as needed.