Courtesy of Vidiot on Flickr
The radish is an edible root vegetable of the Brassicaceae family that was domesticated in Europe in pre-Roman times. It is an easy vegetable to grow, perfect for a beginning gardener. The seeds germinate in a matter of days and can reach maturity in as little a 3-4 weeks. This quick harvest makes radishes a popular choice for children's gardens. They also take up very little space which makes them a favorite for the backyard gardener.
Radishes are rich in ascorbic acid, folic acid, and potassium. They are a good source of vitamin B6, riboflavin, magnesium, copper, and calcium. One cup of sliced red radish bulbs provides approximately 20 calories or less, coming largely from carbohydrates, making radishes, relative to their size, a very filling food for their caloric value.
To sow radish seeds plant them 1/2 inch deep and 2 inches apart. Alternately, you can sprinkle seeds around your growing area and then cover with a thin layer of soil. Once your seedlings appear, thin them to 2 inches apart in order to ensure they have adequate space for growing. Planting seeds every couple of weeks will keep in you in radishes throughout the season.
Most soil types will work, though sandy loams are particularly good for winter and spring crops, while soils that form a hard crust can impair growth. The key is ample water, rich compost, and proper drainage. Radish plants tend to bolt in very hot weather, so they are often grown next to taller plants that can provide a bit of shade.
Harvest radishes when they are approximately 1 inch in diameter. Radishes, if kept on the plant much past the point of being ready for harvest, will turn pithy and spongy. Spring radishes mature in 3-5 weeks while winter varieties need 7-8 weeks.
Courtesy of Detsugu on Flickr
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11-19-2007, 10:13 AM
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