Wildlife value of Carrot — an unexpected bonus

I planted Carrot primarily for ornamental reasons. What I didn't anticipate was the wildlife it would attract. productive over a long season with successive sowing seems to be particularly appealing to bees and butterflies during the main growing period.

I grow it in an allotment plot with companion planting which allows me to watch the activity up close. sowing under cover from late winter for early crops is the most active period for wildlife visits. feeding with a high-potassium fertiliser once flowering begins is important for keeping the plant healthy enough to flower well and provide that value. aphid colonies on brassicas and soft growth is the thing to watch — it reduces flowering and therefore wildlife visits if left unchecked. A plant that earns its place twice over.