Carrots are a challenge for us also. Our soil needs more sand to it for carrots. I don't really know how they ever make a good root in this clay base soil. The carrots are not pretty and perfect like the ones from the store but do get nice size and are good tasting. We have been using pelleted seed for planting with our Earthway push planter. I set the planter to where it just barely covers the seed. I put the planter on a flat surface like a table top and lower the opener until it touches the table top. I then drop it about 1/8 inch lower. I have a small roller I pull over the beds before planting. One problem with this push planter is it is completely rigid so the dept is inconsistent along the row due to any waves in the beds.