Sow carrot seeds 2" apart in rows spaced 12" apart, and 1/4" deep. If you're growing carrots in containers, sow a group of three seeds every 3-4".
Carrots need 6-8+ hours of sun daily, and regular watering-- don't let the soil dry completely! They also like loose, sandy soil that's poor in nutrients.
Forked roots are caused by excess nitrogen!
Carrots take anywhere from 55-80 days to mature, depending on the variety. The seeds can take 10-21 just to germinate! Some quick maturing varieties take under 60 days.
Harvest carrots when the tops are at least 1" in diameter. Just pull them up and rinse them off! In the fall, you can leave them in the soil for a steady supply.
for the full guide and more info on when & how to grow carrots in your zone