Carrot & Courgette Pad Thai

Carrots

• Sow seeds directly in well-draining, stone-free soil after the last frost or in early spring/late summer in milder climates.
• Thin seedlings to 2-4 inches apart to allow roots to develop properly and prevent overcrowding.
• Keep soil consistently moist to prevent splitting and promote even growth.

Courgettes

• Sow seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the last frost, or directly outdoors once soil has warmed and all danger of frost has passed.
• Provide plenty of sun and rich, well-draining soil, spacing plants 3-4 feet apart as they are vining.
• Water deeply and consistently at the base of the plant to encourage fruit production and prevent powdery mildew.

Spring Onions

• Sow seeds densely in a shallow trench in early spring or autumn for a continuous harvest.
• They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and can be grown easily in containers.
• Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells, for tender greens.

Coriander

• Sow seeds directly in spring or autumn in a spot with partial shade to prevent bolting in hot weather.
• Plant in well-draining soil and water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• For a continuous supply, sow small batches every 2-3 weeks.

• Use fine mesh netting or row covers over carrot and spring onion beds to deter root maggots and carrot rust flies.

• Hand-pick larger pests like squash bugs from courgette leaves daily to prevent population build-up.

• Spray affected plants like coriander and courgettes with a diluted neem oil solution to control aphids and thrips.

• Ensure good air circulation around courgette plants and water at the base to help prevent powdery mildew.

Carrots

• Harvest when roots are about 1 inch in diameter at the soil line, typically 60-80 days after sowing.
• Loosen the soil around the carrot before gently pulling to avoid snapping the root.
• Leaving them too long can make them woody and less flavourful.

Courgettes

• Pick when fruits are small and tender, typically 6-8 inches long; regular harvesting encourages more production.
• Cut the stem cleanly with a knife or pruners, leaving a short stub attached to the fruit.
• If left too long, they become large, seedy, and watery.

Spring Onions

• Harvest when stalks are pencil-thin, pulling the entire plant or cutting just above the soil line for a re-growth.
• For cut-and-come-again, leave the bulb in the ground to sprout new greens.
• Harvest regularly to encourage new growth and prevent them from becoming tough.

Coriander

• Snip outer leaves as needed once the plant is established, or harvest the entire plant before it bolts.
• Cut stems close to the base, taking care not to damage the crown.
• Harvesting frequently delays bolting, but once it flowers, the leaves' flavour diminishes.