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Post by binnylou on Jan 3, 2019 14:56:18 GMT -5
I'd like to talk about root crops. Specifically, I'd like to know why I can successfully grow turnips and beets, but can't seem to have success with attempts at growing radishes. My last attempt at radishes produced wonderful tops, and almost no roots. Turnips were in the same bed just a few feet away. Should I expect most root crops to require the same soil nutrients? Hubby loves radishes. He goes through a bag of them every week. I'd rather offer home grown radishes to him, at least during growing season.
I seem to remember gardendmpls talking about boron being needed for root development. Perhaps she has some ideas concerning my problem.
A soil test is probably going to be suggested, but I think the only available testing for us is from Earl May and they do it at the store. I believe our local extension office has discontinued this service. A phone call to them says they are closed for furlough.
Do testing labs accept samples from other states?
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Post by Mumsey on Jan 4, 2019 3:50:04 GMT -5
binnylou, The Iowa Dept. of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) has a list of certified labs in Iowa. Found that info with a search, but the page link would not come up. Best to call them I guess. 515-281-5321
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Post by tom 🕊 on Jan 4, 2019 8:07:45 GMT -5
can't seem to have success with attempts at growing radishes What spacing do you give your radish? Radish are picky about spacing. Just a little too close, and they won't make roots. Reminds me of Daniel Boone, who wouldn't stay in a place if he didn't have elbow room. |
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Post by Mumsey on Jan 4, 2019 9:22:28 GMT -5
binnylou , I think the weather plays a big part in radish development too. If it gets too warm too quick, they bolt like wildfire! That was my issue last year. But, you can eat the greens!
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Post by deckman22 on Jan 4, 2019 10:59:58 GMT -5
I've had similar problems yet get excellent beet crops. Probably due to what Tom said, spaced to close together as some will grow and some only tops. Chickens love the tops so they don't go to waste.
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Post by binnylou on Jan 4, 2019 12:54:19 GMT -5
May be time to make some radish seed tapes. I love being able to determine spacing while sitting at the kitchen table. Anybody do this and care to share your method? I’ve just used thin tp and Elmer’s glue, with some success. Problem is ...the mice like the tp😠
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Post by martywny on Jan 4, 2019 13:53:58 GMT -5
May be time to make some radish seed tapes. Now that is an interesting idea! My first thought would be gluing the seeds to some newspaper since it decomposes quickly. I'm going to do a few over the weekend to see how they sprout. I'll post my results and some pictures. |
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Post by kasey on Jan 4, 2019 15:22:10 GMT -5
You will have, by far, the best results with Hybrid radishes. kc
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Post by binnylou on Jan 4, 2019 18:21:49 GMT -5
kasey, I don't remember what I planted. I had several packages that I wanted to be done with. I'll pay attention when I buy new seed. thanks.
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Post by ahntjudy on Jan 4, 2019 19:37:11 GMT -5
Last crop of turnips I grew, all they did was attract Harlequin bugs...
That was disappointing...
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Post by binnylou on Jan 4, 2019 19:41:58 GMT -5
ahntjudy, I grew Hakurei turnips last year...I harvested them when small and served them raw. They were hubby's "radish".
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Post by James on Jan 5, 2019 15:20:52 GMT -5
Radishes are a cool weather crop. Plant early spring. If planted later and it goes to hot weather, they will just bloom and not put on a nice root. Try several kinds, you may find one that excels there.
How about those White Icicle radishes. Have you tried them?
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Post by wheelgarden1 on Jan 5, 2019 15:30:01 GMT -5
White Icicles and French Breakfast are the only radishes I've grown, and they actually impressed my formerly non-radish-loving wife.
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Post by gardendmpls on Jan 5, 2019 18:48:59 GMT -5
When they don't produce a root, I let them bolt and eat the seed pods, which are delicious.
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Post by ahntjudy on Jan 5, 2019 19:19:42 GMT -5
I love the young radish greens too...just with a little olive oil, salt and pepper...mmm...
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