How to Grow Organic Radishes

Organic gardening involves growing vegetables without the use of chemical fertilizer, pesticides or weed killers. When growing organic radishes, you will need to select organic seeds so you know they have not been genetically modified. You can grow both summer and winter varieties of radishes organically and using the same methods. The difference will be the planting time and the distance you leave between the seedlings. If you want to sell certified organic radishes, check with your state about its specific guidelines.

Organic compost
Shovel
Floating row cover
Organic mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Find a planting spot that has well-draining soil and gets at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Afternoon shade is acceptable.
- 2
  Cover the planting site with 2 inches of organic compost. Use a shovel to turn the compost into soil at a depth of 10 inches. Remove any rocks or sticks you find as you go.
- 3
  Insert the organic seeds into the soil at a depth of 1/2 inch. Space them 1 inch apart, firm the soil over the seeds, and then water until the soil settles. Space rows 12 inches apart. Plant summer radishes two weeks before the last spring frost, and plant winter radishes eight weeks before the first frost.
- 4
  Cover the row with a floating row cover, which lets in sun, air and water, but keeps out pests common to radishes. These include flea beetles and cabbage root maggots.
- 5
  Thin out salad radishes by removing the weakest seedlings so there is 3 inches between each seedling. Thin out oriental radishes to one seedling every 8 inches. Continue watering frequently enough to keep the soil moist.
- 6
  Hand-pull any weeds that sprout around the radish seedlings. Once the seeds germinate and you have thinned them, cover the soil with a 1-inch layer of organic mulch to keep out weeds.

How to Grow Spinach in a Tray

How to Transplant Collard Greens

Growing Vegetables