Knowing which companion plants to plant next to radishes is key to growing a healthy and successful crop.
The key is to pick plants that won’t harbor pests and compete for nutrients, water, and light, among other things. Otherwise, your radish may struggle.
So it’s important to plan your garden layout carefully. Pay attention to what you’re planting where.
Good Companion Plants for Radish
Radishes are known for their vibrant color, robust flavor, and easy-to-grow nature. But they don’t have to grow alone.
On the plus side, there are many great accompanying plants that can do wonders for your radish crop.
To maximize their production, consider pairing your radishes with these plants:
- Peppers
- Chervil
- Cucumbers
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Onions
- Kale
- Leaf lettuce
- Parsnip
- Marigold
- Pole beans
- Shallots
- Mint
- Tomatoes
- Squash
- Peas
- Oregano
- Leeks
- Borage
- Nasturtiums
- Dill
- Peas
- Petunias
- Beets
- Rosemary
- Eggplant
- Carrots
- Garlic
- Cauliflower
A point to note is that we’ve included some brassicas on the good list simply because many find that they help supply the soil with nutrients that radishes need.
On the flip side, others have problems with flea beetles flocking to their radish beds when brassicas are planted with radish. So, if you think you may have a problem with these beetles, keep brassicas away when growing radish.
What NOT to Plant with Radish
As highlighted, not every plant does well with radishes.
Before you decide which plants to grow alongside your radishes, below is a list of those you may want to avoid.
Some gardeners have had great success planting some of these together with radishes. However, others warn that you should avoid them at all costs.
- Hyssop
- Corn
- Fennel
- Pumpkins
- Sunflowers
- Kohlrabi
- Turnips
- Potatoes
- Melons
Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that these plants may only be a problem when planted too close to each other.
So, give your radishes some distance from the aforementioned plants. This will help them grow successfully into their harvestable size.
How to Grow Radishes
Radishes can be sown in the spring or fall. However, if temperatures are high (above 70 degrees), they will bolt.
If you want a spring crop, plant the seeds in early April or early May. Then again from August 1 to September 1 for an autumn crop.
The crops are also quick to mature. They typically mature in a little over a month. Therefore, you can sow them in any empty area or between rows of compatible vegetables like those listed above.
Select a spot with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Radishes that are grown in the shade will use all of their energy to produce larger leaves.
Also, plant them in any well-drained soil that is slightly acidic or neutral with a pH of 6 to 7.
Moreover, you can thin the seedlings two inches apart as soon as the plants reach an edible size. But when growing larger varieties like daikons, thin them four to six inches apart.
Fertilizer Requirements
Generally, you don’t need to fertilize this crop if the soil is already fertile.
However, if you insist, the best fertilizers for radishes are those that have more potassium and phosphorus. These give them the energy they need for their growth and to produce high-quality roots.
Garden Pests
Aphids can decimate radish plants by sucking out the plant’s sap [1]. Cabbage loppers also love eating young greens.
Cutworms are another common garden pest that may love snacking on young radishes as they grow. Other garden pests that may cause damage include cabbage maggots, slugs, snails, and flea beetles.
Take the necessary steps to identify and eliminate them from your garden.
Plant Diseases
Knowing which diseases affect radishes is also key to keeping your crop healthy.
Some common plant diseases that can affect radishes include black root rot, fusarium wilt, downy mildew, and white rust [2].
However, you can help prevent these diseases by following a few best practices.
First, plant in well-drained soil with plenty of air circulation around each plant. Also, become familiar with crop rotation and practice it. And finally, choose good neighbor plants to grow with your crop.
If your crops do happen to fall victim to any plant disease, there are natural methods you can try to help control crop diseases.
How to Harvest
Three to five weeks following planting, you can harvest your garden radishes. Pull them out as soon as they are a good size.
You should also feel or see the “shoulder” of the radish or its top portion pressing up against the topsoil.
Storing
If you’ve got a lot of radishes and need to store some, that’s totally doable. But there are a few things to keep in mind when you’re storing radishes.
First off, you want to make sure they are completely dry before storage. Next, put them in a plastic bag and then in the cooler section of the fridge.
If your radishes have any radish greens, you can store those separately in the fridge. However, use them within 2 days.
Where to Buy Seeds
You can buy quality seeds online or at your local nursery, but make sure to go for organic seeds if you are growing an organic garden.
Takeaway
To sum up, when it comes to companion planting with radishes, it’s important to choose wisely. Some plants pair well with them, while others can cause problems for your crop.
It’s good practice to do some research and experiment with different plants in your garden. This will help you determine which plants work best with your radishes, as well as which other crops you can successfully grow together.
With a bit of trial and error, you can create a thriving garden oasis that allows all of your plants to reach their full potential.
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