Radish are the ideal started crop for anyone new to gardening. From planting the seed the first shoots appear within a week and the radish can be ready for picking in 4-6 weeks. Radish will grow anywhere, in light or shade, in the ground or in containers.
Radish can be planted at most times of the year but work best in spring and autumn. One tray with half a dozen radish will produce enough for a family meal whether in salad or cooked. They are best eaten fresh as they become soft and bitter if stored. Leaves are also edible.
Radish seed are easy to work with. The seed is pushed under the soil and covered then the soil surface dampened. They should not be over-watered but the surface kept damp. Once started they are robust and only require mist spaying once a day. They are resistant to most pests.
Growing radish in containers works well with some trial and error. Avoid over-crowding. The elongated varieties, here French Breakfast, grow long and cylindrical. It is worth turning the container (if possible) every few days as they do lean towards the sun.
Radish are particularly good for showing children as they produce results so quickly. With a bit of timing two window sill trays can be rotated to have a crop ready every other week. It is pleasant in autumn to have fresh radish growing when everything else in the garden dies back.
