Radish

Growing Guide

Radishes grow well in most soils, but prefer rich, moist free draining soils.

Sow seeds very thinly 1cm deep in drills 15cm apart. Thin out the seedlings to 4cm as necessary. Sow at regular intervals from spring through summer in well cultivated soil.

Keep the radish beds moist, but not soaked. Watering radishes frequently and evenly will result in quick growth; if radishes grow too slowly, they will develop a hot, woody taste.

TOP TIPS

Because radishes grow so quickly, you can "inter-crop" them between slow-growing vegetables. Radishes also work well as companion plants, because they keep a lot of the bugs away from plants. Plant them alongside carrots, parsnips, and cabbages.

Radishes are typically ready to harvest when their roots are about 2.5cm in diameter. To harvest, lift the entire plant out of the ground using a small trowel.

Unlike many root vegetables, radishes cannot be left in the ground, as doing so will cause them to become tough and woody. However, many gardeners leave radishes which being to go to seed in the ground and enjoy their seed pods which are also edible.