What Are the Materials Needed for Planting Radishes?

Seeds for the Season

• Radishes like cool weather, but certain varieties grow better in the spring, while others prefer the fall. Therefore, one the main considerations in choosing radish seed is the time of year. For spring growing, the University of Illinois Extension recommends Burpee White, Champion, Cherry Queen Hybrid, Easter Egg and Snow Belle. For fall growing, some recommendations include China Rose, Round Black Spanish and Chinese White. High-quality, fresh seed is also essential. Cheap seed, or seed that’s been sitting around for a year or more, will have a lower germination rate, says Steve Solomon, former owner of the Territorial Seed Company.

Rake

• A quality garden rake is essential for preparing the garden bed for radish seeds. The rake should not be the type meant for leaves; it should have short metal tines. Use the rake to loosen the garden soil, then rake it level and even. The top of the rake (where there are no tines) may also be used to create a furrow for planting the seeds, although many gardeners prefer using a hoe for this job. The rake can also be used to gently cover up seeds once they are planted.

Hoe

• A hoe is not absolutely essential, since a rake can take its place, but many gardeners find it easier to create a shallow, narrow furrow for planting radish seeds using a hoe. Once the seeds are placed inside the furrow, a hoe is also useful for gently pushing soil back over the seeds.

Water

• Seeds require a steady supply of moisture in order to germinate and grow. Once radish seeds are planted in a furrow and covered with soil, a gentle watering is required. The best tool for this job is a garden hose with a shower nozzle attached to it.

Plant Markers

• When growing from seed, it’s all too easy to forget which plants are planted where. That’s why plant markers are essential. Plant markers can be as simple as an empty seed packet impaled on a small stick that’s placed in the ground near the radish seeds, or as elaborate as store-bought copper markers. Just make sure whatever markers you use will last at least a few weeks, even if it rains.