Good and Bad Radish Companion Plants

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 essential to plan your garden layout carefully and pay attention to what you plant 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.

Many great companion plants 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

We’ve included some brassicas on the good list because many people find they help supply the soil with the nutrients that radishes need.

Conversely, others have problems with flea beetles flocking to their radish beds when brassicas are planted with radishes. So, if you have a problem with these beetles, keep brassicas away when growing radishes.

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, these plants may be a problem when planted too close together.

So, give your radishes some distance from the plants mentioned above. Doing so will help them grow successfully to their harvestable size.

How to Grow Radishes

Radishes can be sown in the spring or fall. However, they will bolt if temperatures are high (above 70 degrees).

Plant the seeds in early April or early May if you want a spring crop. Then again, plant them for an autumn crop from August 1 to September 1.

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.

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 when the plants reach an edible size. But space larger varieties, like daikons, four to six inches apart.

Fertilizer Requirements

Generally, you do not need to fertilize this crop if the soil is already fertile.

However, if you insist, the best fertilizers for radishes have more potassium and phosphorus. These give them the energy they need to grow and produce high-quality roots.

Garden Pests

Aphids can decimate radish plants by sucking out the plant’s sap [1]. Cabbage loopers also love to eat young greens.

Cutworms are another common garden pest that may feed on young radishes as they grow. Other garden pests that may cause damage include cabbage maggots, slugs, snails, and flea beetles.

Please 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 affecting radishes include black root rot, Fusarium wilt, downy mildew, and white rust [2].

However, following a few best practices can help prevent these diseases.

First, plants should be planted in well-drained soil with plenty of air circulation around each plant. Second, become familiar with and practice crop rotation. Finally, choose good companion plants for your crops.

If your crops are affected by plant diseases, you can try natural methods to control them.

How to Harvest

You can harvest your garden radishes three to five weeks after planting. Pull them out as soon as they are a good size.

You should also feel or see the radish’s “shoulder” or top portion pressing against the topsoil.

Storing

If you’ve got a lot of radishes and need to store some, that’s doable. But there are a few things to keep in mind when you’re storing radishes.

First, ensure 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 if you are growing an organic garden, choose organic seeds.

Takeaway

To sum up, when it comes to companion planting with radishes, it is essential to choose wisely. Some plants pair well with them, while others can cause problems for your crop.

Researching and experimenting with different plants in your garden is good practice. Doing so will help you determine which plants work best with your radishes.

With some trial and error, you can create a thriving garden oasis that allows all your plants to reach their full potential.