It's a little early to be sowing carrot seeds, isn't it?

[kadioguy]

It's a little early to be sowing carrot seeds, isn't it?

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/early
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Why is the -ing form used? What does that mean? How about "It's a little early to sow carrot seeds ..."?

a. It's a little early to be sowing carrot seeds, isn't it?
b. It's a little early to sow carrot seeds, isn't it? [my version]

I assume that (a) means that the action is happening, while (b) could mean that the action hasn't happened yet. However, (b) could also mean the same as (a).

Is that right?

 

[Yankee]

They can be synonymous and depending on discussion/context between speaker and listener, it could be that the action (planting) is happening at the time of speaking or as general commentary.

 

[jutfrank]

Is that right?

Yes. But equally, with a. it could also be that the action hasn't happened yet. It's like when we use the present continuous to talk about future actions: You're sowing carrot seeds could be about the future.

 

[kadioguy]

They can be synonymous and depending on discussion/context between the speaker and the listener, it could be that the action (planting) is happening at the time of speaking or as general commentary.

I guess "the" is necessary.

 

[tedmc]

I think there is a slight difference in emphasis.
In a, "to be doing something" focuses on being in the particular stage of growing carrot, i.e. the initial stage. b is about whether to proceed with the action - to sow or not to sow.