Plant of the Week: Radishes

Radish (Raphanus sativus)  photo credit

Another fall veggie garden option is the radish.  Radishes are a fall garden favorite in school or children's gardens because they mature quickly, come in a variety of shapes & colors, and all parts of the plant are eatable. It's taproot is a veggie tray or salad favorite for those who enjoy the crisp texture and peppery flavor.  It's leaves can also be included in salad greens. 

Select fall or winter radish seeds that have a short growing season and are heat tolerant.  Plant them in full sun to light shade in well drained soil 1 to 3 inches apart.  Optimal day time temperatures for radishes are in the 60F's.  If your day temperatures are consistently higher than 70F, provide them some shade.  Also keep them consistently watered as heat and uneven watering can cause them to become woody and very hot/peppery.

Are you planting radishes in your fall garden?

Happy Gardening! :)