Story & Photos by Aaron Aiken
What You'll Need
I hear it every single day:
I wish I could garden, but it’s so overwhelming.
I would love to grow my own food, but it seems complicated.
I love fresh produce, but I don’t have a green thumb.
The good news? It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Even if you’ve never grown a thing in your life, there are some simple things you can do to get your foot in the door (or the garden bed).
At the top of this list of starter varieties is a delicious little root vegetable that requires no seed-starting equipment and can be ready for harvest in as little as 3-4 weeks. Can you guess what it is?
The Radish.
How To Grow Radishes
Radishes can be grown in containers (4-6" minimum depth), in-ground, or in raised beds. The soil should be loose and well-draining, and if nothing has been grown in it for a while, you can add an inch of compost to the top, which will help feed the radishes as they grow.
Radishes are best grown when the soil temperature is between 50°F and 70°F (10°C–21°C). If it’s too hot, they can bolt (flower prematurely) and become woody or bitter.
They grow best with a minimum of 4-6 hours of direct sunlight, and if you’re unsure of how much sun the area you want to grow them in gets, go out on a sunny day, and take a picture either every hour or every three hours to see where there is good sunlight. More than 6 hours of sunlight will give you quicker radishes, but if that’s not possible, just grow them in the best spot available.
Radish Varieties
These adorable little root crops come in a wide range of sizes and colors, and while it might be tempting to buy the most outlandish seeds you can find, I recommend starting with a simple, classic variety like “Fiesta Blend,” which usually includes 4-5 varieties of different colors that are ready for harvest in 35 days.
“Cherry Belle” is another classic available at just about every grocery store and is ready to harvest in even less time (22 days). In this raised bed, I also included a Black Radish, which takes 65 days, and a Purple Radish, which takes 45 days.
Radish Spacing
Almost every seed packet will include radish spacing instructions, depth, and all the information you need, but here’s how I like to grow them:
In a 12" x 12" area, equally space out 9 holes, or ensure the holes are around 3"
apart and about a half inch deep. Instead of just sowing one seed, sow 2-3 seeds per hole because as they grow, the radishes will push against each other, ultimately giving you a bigger harvest from the same space. Keep the soil moist for the first week, and once they’ve germinated, ensure that you don’t let the soil dry out too much. If the leaves look a little sad, give the area a good watering with either a watering can or a hose nozzle on the shower setting (don’t use a normal hose, as it will dislodge the seedlings).
When To Harvest Radishes
The information on your seed packet will be your best friend as far as knowing when to think about harvesting. Once you’re within a week of the ideal harvest window, you can start to pick off the biggest ones. While it’s okay to wait a little longer than the packet says, you don’t want to let them grow too long, as they can get more fibrous.
If you have a heavy rain in your forecast, and they are harvestable, you should take the
opportunity to do so, as excess moisture can cause them to split.
Once you’ve pulled them, you can give them a light rinse, and they’re ready to enjoy - but don’t forget that the greens are not only edible but also delicious. You can sauté them like spinach, blend them into pesto, or toss them into soups.
How To Prepare Radishes
Once you’ve got your homegrown radishes, there are plenty of ways to enjoy them:
- Fresh: Sliced raw with a sprinkle of salt for a peppery snack.
- Pickled: Quick pickle with vinegar, sugar, and spices.
- Roasted: They become sweet and mellow when roasted.
- In Salads: For crunch and a peppery kick.
- Tacos: Radishes and tacos are a match made in heaven.
Growing radishes might seem like a small step, but it’s a powerful one. It’s proof that you can grow your food, even if you’ve never tried before. Radishes are forgiving, fast, and flavorful—everything a beginner gardener needs to gain confidence.
And once you’ve grown your first batch? You might just find yourself dreaming about carrots, lettuce, beans, or tomatoes next. So grab a packet of seeds, dig a little dirt, and start your garden with radishes. Your journey to homegrown food starts with a single sprout.
About
Aaron is an urban gardener, garden consultant, and content creator based in Pasadena, California. You can find him creating informative and entertaining garden content on all social media platforms, where he goes by @HeyGardenZaddy. He is passionate about educating and empowering families to start growing their own organic food.
