Radish
Have you ever considered gardening, but were too intimidated? Afraid that you will kill everything? It is easier than it seems to grow healthy, fresh food and you don’t even need a lot of space.
Springtime is the best time to start planning what you would like to grow and where. If this is your first garden, aim for plants that are easy to grow and easy to take care of. Here are a few plants that I would recommend for first time gardeners. Growing these sure fire crops this year will give you the confidence to try other crops in the future years.
Radish
If you want instant gratification in your garden this spring or fall, try radishes. These peppery little beauties germinate and grow rather quickly. Radishes are great in salads, or you can eat them as a snack. Radishes are good source of antioxidants pyrogallol, vanillic acid and other phenolic compounds that are... Radishes are also rich in potassium which is an electrolyte that helps maintain water balance within your body. Radishes are also a good source of vitamin C, a vitamin essential for building collagen which is a connective tissue that is abundant within the human body!
Radish seeds are planted ½” deep directly in the garden or a container in early spring. The warmer it gets the more bitter your radishes become. In addition to your typical red round radish, there are many other varieties that you can grow that you don’t typically find in your local grocery store. A few to try are:
‘Cherry Belle’ is your typical red round radish. A great choice for beginners. ‘Cherry Belle’ goes from seed to harvest in about 24 days.
‘French Breakfast’ This heirloom dates back to the 1800s. It grows to be about 2 inches long when mature. This variety is much milder than your traditional radish and they are ready to harvest in about 28 days.
‘Golden Helios’ Probably named after the Greek sun god. These small golden radishes can handle a little bit warmer weather than your traditional radish. It is a good choice for gardeners whose spring skips to summer quick. Not only are the radishes unique in color, the leaves are a pretty purple-streaked green. They mature about 25 days after sowing.
‘Early Scarlet Globe’ this early maturing radish is your quintessential red, round radish. This variety is mild in flavor, crisp and refreshing. It is usually ready to harvest 20 days from planting.
‘China Rose’ this peppery, pink beauty comes from China. This daikon variety measures 2 inches in diameter but about six to eight inches long. It slower to mature, going from seed to harvest in about 55 days. A great radish to spice up your tacos.
‘White Icicle’ is a fast-grow white heirloom. This tapered daikon variety grows to about five inches long. It has a mild flavor and tends to be juicier if you harvest them when they are about three inches long. This variety goes from seed to plate in about 25 days. Do not underestimate the nutritional benefits of radishes as a flavorful addition to your salads. Experiment with a few different types to find the one that suits your taste.
Roasted Radishes
2 Bunches Radishes, Halved
1 Tablespoon Butter, Melted
1 Clove Garlic, Minced
1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
Salt and Pepper to Taste
Preheat oven to 375*F
Melt butter in the microwave and toss radishes and garlic in butter.
Spread radishes out on a baking sheet and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper.
Bake for 20-30 minutes and enjoy!