The straightforward nature of radish planting and care makes them a great beginner vegetable. Radishes are cool-season plants, doing well in temperatures from 40 to 70 degrees. Full sun is still important, though — at least six hours per day. Too much shade makes them prioritize leaf growth. Use well-draining, neutral soil and give them about one inch of water per week. Too much water causes root splitting, and not enough water ruins the taste. Mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture.

Flea beetles love radish leaves while cabbage maggots and cutworms feast on the bulbs. Floating row covers and mixing wood ash into the soil are two non-chemical ways to deter pests. Good growing conditions and debris cleanup will reduce the risk of diseases like scab and downy mildew.

Since radishes thrive in cooler weather and grow quickly, pre-seeding them isn’t necessary. You may choose to grow them indoors in the summer or winter when outdoor temperatures are too extreme. Use a well-draining container 6-12 inches deep, such as a planter box. Plant seeds a half-inch deep in potting mix with 1-3 inches of spacing. Water often enough to keep the soil moist, and use grow lights if there isn’t enough natural light.

You can plant radishes in the spring as soon as the ground is workable, which is 4-6 weeks before the final frost. Late summer and early fall planting is a fine option in many regions, whether in the ground or a container. Loosen the soil, then sow the seeds as you would for indoor growing. Rows can be as little as three inches apart; many gardeners plant them between rows of slower-growing plants. Succession plant radishes every two weeks, but stop when daily temperatures climb to 65-70 degrees, as high heat causes them to go to seed early.

Those who already have rich soil or potting mix won’t need to add fertilizer. If your soil is poor, add some compost or fertilizer when planting or as side dressing after the seeds germinate. The formula should be high in phosphorus and potassium for root growth; too much nitrogen sends resources to the leaves instead. Do a soil test so you know whether fertilization is essential, as over-fertilizing causes stunted radishes and salt buildup.

Because they love cool weather, radishes can be grown throughout the winter in many regions. For the coldest growing zones, add a layer of mulch 3-4 inches deep for insulation; row covers and frost cloths also provide heat. You won’t need to water as much since the cooler temperatures won’t dry out the soil.

The only pruning you need to do is thinning the seedlings once they reach about one inch tall. Overcrowding leads to smaller, misshapen roots. Remove the weakest seedlings from your garden or container so the remainder are separated by 2-3 inches. Cut them at ground level so you don’t disrupt the surrounding roots.

Smaller radish varieties can mature in 20-30 days; larger varieties take up to 60 days. Watch for when the top of the root starts rising above the soil line. Gently pull the radishes from the ground, then cut off the leaves and thin roots so they don’t pull moisture from the bulb.