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Plant the radishes in a sunny place. If radishes are planted in too much shade - or even where they are sheltered by neighboring vegetables - they will use all their energy to produce larger leaves.
Like carrots, radishes are grown mainly for their roots. Although the soil must be rich in organic matter, it should not be compacted. If it is more clayey, add some sand to loosen it and improve drainage.
If it is not rich in organic matter, add a few centimeters of mature compost or all-purpose fertilizer to the planting area. Cultivate a garden patch to remove any stones or clods of soil before planting. it is best to practice a three-year crop rotation. This will help prevent diseases from affecting your crops.
Consistent, even irrigation is key. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. A drip irrigation system is a great way to achieve this goal. Applying a thin layer of mulch around the radish can help retain moisture in dry conditions. Grass clippings and sawdust from fruit trees are perfect.Additionally, they will fulfill the function of preventing snails and slugs from reaching the plant.
For some varieties of radishes, they will be ready for harvest quite quickly, just three weeks after planting. For most varieties, harvest when the roots are about 3 cm in diameter on the soil surface. Pull one out and test before collecting the rest to see if they should be left for a few more days with more regular watering. Do not leave the radish in the ground long after it is ripe; their condition will deteriorate quickly. Cut off the tops and a thin root tail, wash the radishes and dry thoroughly. Store them in plastic bags in the refrigerator. Radishes can be stored separately for up to three days.
Radishes in containers require a large pot with a capacity of about 4-5 liters and well-drained soil with rich nutrients - e.g.manure or compost. Use a vegetable starter mix or make your own compost and peat mix with a little sand or other gravel. Mix the plant fertilizer before planting to speed up root growth after the radish seeds have germinated. Make sure the pot you choose has a good drainage hole, and use unglazed pots to help evaporate excess moisture. If you are using a saucer, make sure it is not constantly filled with water.