Days to Maturity: 60

This extra-sweet baby carrot really is the size of your little finger. Growing only about 4 inches long, it is a classic baby variety with a crisp consistency and juicy bite that most everyone finds irresistible. The dark orange roots are smooth and do not taper. Gardeners have relied on this high performer for years.

Higher in vitamins A and B than their store-bought counterparts, homegrown carrots are also rich in calcium and phosphorusand they taste delicious.

Carrots are a cool-weather crop, best sown direct as soon as the soil is workable in spring, or in late summer for fall harvest. Heavy soils are a problem for root development, so prepare the soil thoroughly before planting or, if you are in a clay soil area, consider growing in raised beds or even containers. Carrots also need moisture to keep from splitting. With these needs met, they are virtually trouble free. Thin the seedlings to 3 inches