How To Grow Radishes In Pots And Containers

Radishes add colour and flavour to meals. Their hot peppery taste adds character to a humble salad or they can be enjoyed on their own as a snack. They are a perfect vegetable to grow in pots. Growing vegetables in pots and containers is an ideal way to produce your own home grown vegetables if space is limited and will always be fresher than anything that can be bought in the shops as the time between picking and eating can be measured in minutes, ensuring the vegetables still retain all their goodness and flavour.

Radishes are great vegetables to grow if space is very limited. They will grow even in small pots, so a large amount can be grown in a small space. Summer radishes grow fast and a lot can be produced in one summer, so for best results, they need to be successionally grown. This is where small amounts are sown every few weeks from the start of spring so that the plants do not mature all at the same time, rather they become ready every few weeks. This will provide for an even supply through the growing season rather than a glut at one time.

Radishes are ideal for intercropping with other vegetables. Intercropping is where smaller, fast growing plants such as radishes make use of the space around larger, slower growing vegetables. So radishes can be planted in the same pots as other plants, making use of the space until the slower crop matures.

Thin out the young plants and use the thinnings for meals. The leaves of radishes can also be eaten and will add flavour and colour to baby leaf salads. Water the plants regularly to ensure they stay healthy. Irregular watering can cause them to split and a lack of water can result in an increase in the hotness of flavour.

The main pest that causes damage to radishes is flea beetle. These make small holes in the leaves, making them unattractive to eat and weakening the plant. They can be prevented from causing damage by covering the plants with fleece.

Radishes can also be grown as a winter vegetable. They are slower to grow but will produce larger results. Sow winter radishes in mid summer but provide them with some shade so that they do not grow too quickly.

Growing vegetables in pots or containers, such as radishes, is an ideal way to create a supply of wholesome, tasty, fresh food that is enjoyable and will also save money.