Grow Radishes in Containers

Twenty three days from start to finish! Yes, that's the exact amount of time it takes radishes to grow from a tiny seed into a pick-able mature root. Now, I don't really know what you consider to be fast, but from a gardening standpoint, twenty three days is extremely quick! Off the top of my head, I can't think of a vegetable crop that grows faster. So, what do you do with such a fast growing crop? Put them to good use, and grow radishes in containers. Every urban container garden should be growing these little soil dwelling gems. If you haven't caught up with the program yet, it's quite alright, because the basics to planting, growing and harvesting radishes in containers will be covered in this article.

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• Containers - Since radishes are fairly small, they can be adapted to grow in a variety of sized containers. I would recommend that your container be at least six inches deep though. Having such a depth will ensure proper formation of the roots. Containers can be round or rectangle shaped.
• Potting Soil - Radishes really aren't too picky when it comes to potting soil either, but they will do best in soil that drains well and is high in organic matter. A well composted organic potting soil will do great.
• Sunlight - Growing radishes need a good amount of sunlight to sustain fast growth and root production. Prepare to provide your radishes with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Temperature - Radishes aren't too fond of the hot summer's sun. For this reason, grow radishes during the cooler temperatures of spring and autumn. They'll be much more productive. For continual harvests during spring and autumn, dedicate three containers to growing radishes, planting each with a week spaced between them. Replant as you harvest weekly.

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Whereas many garden vegetables need to be started indoors and then transplanted outside, radishes can easily be sown directly into their final container outdoors. There's absolutely no need or sense in transplanting radish seeds.

1. Two weeks before your average last frost, fill your containers with potting soil and position them in a sunny area.
2. Plant radish seeds 1/2 inch deep and spaced one inch apart. Fill the entire area of your container with this planting technique. Take caution to leave a least an inch between the rim of your planter and the first set of radishes.
3. Keep the seeds moist and they should germinate within 5-10 days.
4. Once most of the seeds have sprouted, thin the seedlings out, so that there is one plant spaced every two inches from each other.
5. Continue to water, maintaining a soil that is thoroughly moist, but not over watered. Watering every other day should be just fine for your radishes.

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In as little as twenty three days, you'll have a crop of radishes ready for the picking. Of course not every radish variety will be ready in such a short time. So, if you're after the fast maturing varieties, try growing Cherry Belle or French Breakfast radishes.

1. Check to see if the radishes are at a good pick-able size. You can uncover the tops of each plant to determine their size. If the radish is slightly thicker than your thumb, it's ready to be picked.
2. Pull radishes from the ground. The leaves break easily, so pull the radish from the top of the root.
3. Immediately separate the leaves from the root. If you don't, the leaves will cause the root to lose water and shrivel.
4. Wash and store in the refrigerator for up to a couple weeks. The radish leaves may be consumed fresh as part of a mixed green salad.

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Alright, there's everything you need to know about how to grow radishes in containers. May your container garden be extra productive this year! Please leave me any questions, comments or suggestions that you might have.

Growing Radishes in containers is great fun, but so are many other vegetables! Have a look:

• Cherry Tomatoes in Containers
• Growing Container Broccoli
• Sweet Basil Herb Care
• How to Grow Arugula in Containers
• Care for Mint Plants

You can also see more valuable guides in my Vegetable Gardening section.