Radishes

Often overlooked, or cast aside as a mere garnish, radishes are a particular favorite of mine. Everything from their rosy hue to their crunchy snap and peppery kick they add to dishes makes these little gems a worthwhile addition to the veggie patch. And the greens are edible too! Like the other root vegetables, radishes are a cool weather crop that prefers full sun and well-drained soil free of rocks and debris. If you grow them when the weather is too hot, the radish root will taste hotter as well, so aim to grow them in spring and fall when soil temperatures are cooler.

Radishes are a good choice for companion planting with other vegetables, as they grow very quickly and their odor is thought to deter a number of insect pests. They are generally categorized into two main groups: spring/summer and winter. The spring/summer varieties, with names like “Cherry Bomb” and “French Breakfast,” mature quickly, and should be planted as early as possible in the spring while the weather is still cool to get the best quality produce. Winter varieties are slower growing, but they are larger, store better than their springtime counterparts, and have a spicy flavor and crisp texture. Plant these in mid-late summer and they will mature in the cooler autumn temperatures.

Plant care

Radish beds should be kept consistently moist to avoid roots that are cracked. Regular watering will also prevent radishes from growing too slowly, which, like warm soil temperatures, can result in a hotter flavor. When spring/summer radish roots reach about an inch in diameter, they are ready to be harvested. Don’t delay! These are best when harvested small and tender, and, WARNING: they won’t remain edible if left in the soil for too long. Winter radishes can be left to mature a bit longer, and gathered when they are larger in size. Pull the plants out of the ground, clean them off, and store them in the fridge or another cool dark location. You can even slice them up and eat immediately with a little butter and a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect post-harvest treat.