Get Ready For Radishes!
Even though fall is well on its way, that doesn’t mean planting season is over. There are a lot of vegetables that actually thrive in cooler weather, one of which being radishes.
While they’re generally known for their peppery taste, which can vary in intensity, depending on the variety, radishes also offer some pretty impressive health benefits.
They are great for your liver and stomach, and are good for detoxing. They have lots of roughage, which helps with constipation, and they are very filling, which is a boon if you’re trying to prevent any winter weight gain. They are high in fiber and are a good source of potassium. Some studies indicate that they may have anti-inflammatory properties, and help prevent some cancers and respiratory disorders.
Besides the benefits to your body, radishes are a delight in the garden. They are hardy and fast-growing, two characteristics that make them an especially attractive choice for novice gardeners (or for that matter, veteran green thumbs) who want a nice, easy win at the end of the season.
Radishes need lots of sun and good soil. We recommend using BigYellowBag Black Garden Soil, which has light, fluffy properties that make it a perfect growing medium for radishes, because they need loose, well-drained soil. Our Black Garden Soil is a perfect mix of black loam, peat loam, compost and manure. Loam is a soil type comprised of sand, silt and clay in the right ratios. It is also packed with essential nutrients and organic matter to give your radishes the ‘food’ they need to grow big and healthy.
Plant your radish seeds about half an inch deep and an inch apart. Your rows should be about a foot apart. As they start to sprout, thin the plants so they’re about two inches apart. Larger varieties will need even more room. Radishes are garden introverts; they need their personal space!
Water regularly and evenly, or your radishes may crack. Keep them moist, but not damp.
Make sure you harvest your radishes as soon as they’re ready. If you leave them in the ground too long, they will become tough and pithy. Brush off the dirt and store them in a cool, dark place for up to two weeks. Wash your radishes before you use them.
They can be eaten raw, such as in a salad, or you can easily add them to your regular dishes, such as soups and stews, to give it an extra little kick. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can even try your hand at pickling them!