"Growing Radishes"

Growing radishes isn't quite as easy as everyone makes out! They are often said to be a good beginners crop, or a fun crop to get the kids involved with. That's fairly true, but it is necessary to follow a few simple rules to get the most of your crop.

There are a number of different types of radish you could grow in the vegetable garden. Choose a couple of varieties and see which ones you prefer. Some develop faster than others so you can grow a couple of varieties at the same time.

The smaller round types can be ready to eat in as little as four weeks. Seed can be sown between lettuce or carrot seed. The radishes will be pulled up long before the lettuce or carrots need the space.

But they won't just grow and produce wonderful vegetables without a little attention.

************************************

Thompson and Morgan supply several different varieties. Growing Radishes in the UK and the US link for Thompson and Morgan: Thompson and Morgan in the US For all other countries start here on their homepage and choose your country.

*************************************

Planting: Radish seed must be planted directly into the ground or container. They won't transplant well. As with all root crops, they will be mis-shapen or forked if transplanted. Some varieties should be sown on top of the soil, and others in a shallow trench.

Prepare the soil well and rake over. Remove any large stones. Check on your seed packet for sowing recommendations.

Sow the seed very thinly. If you can place a seed every inch you'll produce a better crop, but if this is too much bother sprinkle the seed as thinly as possible.

When the seedlings appear, thin the plants out, if necessary, to allow space for them to develop. Keep watered and weed free.

Pull out weeds gently by hand, so as not to disturb the roots of your plants.

Eat as soon as they look ready, or when you can't wait any longer! Don't leave them in the ground too long or they will go woody, and run to seed.

Some varieties are very 'hot' in taste. Try cutting up into small pieces to mix in with a green salad. They will add a spicy taste to your salads.

Plant short lines every week or so to produce them all through the summer months. They grow so fast that a row here and there round the garden won't get in the way of other crops.

You'll find more vegetables and fruit to grow, and even a few recipe ideas in my book recently published with Findhorn Press. Click on this link Grow Your Own Pharmacy You really can grow enough fruit and veg to keep your family glowing with good health!

Happy Gardening!

More "Garden" reading

http://www.flower-and-garden-tips.com/radishes.html