What should I grow?
That’s not the right question. The real question is what do I like to eat? Do you like to eat radishes? If your answer is yes, or I don’t know, grow some radishes!
If your answer is no, how about peas?
Ok, back to radishes. Radishes are a quick-growing and easy-to-care-for vegetable, making them the perfect plant for beginner gardeners to grow in containers. With a little bit of knowledge and care, you can enjoy fresh, crunchy radishes in just a few weeks. Here’s how to grow radishes in containers as a beginner:
Choose the right container:
Radishes have shallow roots, so they can be grown in small containers. A container that is at least 6 inches deep and wide will work well. You can use a grow bag, plastic pot, a clay pot, or even a recycled container like a bucket or a milk carton. Just make sure there are drainage holes at the bottom. (Fabric grow bags don’t have drainage holes, they’re porous.)
Select the right soil: Radishes aren’t too precious. Just choose the best quality potting soil that fits you budget.
Plant the seeds: Sow the radish seeds about 1/2 inch deep in the soil, and space them about 1 inch apart. You can plant multiple seeds in a container, but make sure to thin them out to one plant per inch as they grow. Water the soil lightly after planting.
Provide the right conditions: Radishes need plenty of sunlight and water to grow well. Place your container in a sunny spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Water the soil whenever the top inch feels dry to the touch, but avoid overwatering as this can cause the roots to rot.
Radishes Popping Off
Care for your plants: Radishes are relatively low-maintenance, but they will benefit from a bit of care. Fertilize your plants every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer, and keep an eye out for pests like aphids and flea beetles. If you see any signs of damage, treat the problem promptly.
Harvest your radishes: Radishes are ready to harvest when they reach maturity, which “they” say takes about 20-30 days. In my beginner experience, I think it’s more like 45 -60 days. But just keep an eye on them. When they’re ready to go, you’ll be able to see a good portion of the top of the radish. And you can tell when they are ready by gently pulling on the leaves – if they come up easily, your radishes are ready to go. Then gently pull them out of the soil and be amazed and proud.
Time to EAT! Radishes are a versatile and flavorful vegetable that can be enjoyed in many ways.
Here are some easy radish preparations:
- Radish and cucumber salad: Slice radishes and cucumbers into thin rounds, and toss with a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. This refreshing salad is perfect for a light lunch or a side dish.
- Sliced radishes with sea salt and butter: Simply slice radishes into thin rounds, sprinkle with a little sea salt, and spread with a bit of butter. This classic French preparation is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the crisp, peppery flavor of radishes.
- Pickled radishes: Slice radishes into thin rounds, and pack them into a jar with vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let the radishes pickle in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. These tangy pickled radishes are a great addition to sandwiches or tacos.
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