Covering carrots works like a charm.Well, aargh, it seems I got booted from the thread for not being active on it, but they can't get rid of me that easily. Trying a few new tricks in the garden this year. I've kept the carrots covered with cardboard to try to increase germination. Not sure how that's going. A few are up but I think there should be more. Peas are up! And spinach, lettuce and radishes are beginning to take off here in the far north. Been putting mounds of pine needles in the raspberry bed and still have tons more to rake up. Great exercise out in the warm surroundings. And you all are an inspiration!