21 Days to a Homegrown Radish Rush with the Lazy Gardener

Spring has arrived! According to the calendar, anyway.  I cannot wait to get into the garden! I’m going to plant radishes and tomatoes, and peppers, and fennel, and basil, and zucchini, and green beans, and the list goes on.  I have seed catalogs piling up on my kitchen table, flaunting all the colors of the rainbow. Purple beans, orange cauliflower, green cucumbers, black radishes – so many choices!  Where do I start?

In Southeast Michigan, it’s much too early to plant tomatoes, beans, peppers, or squash outside.  But it’s just the right time to plant radishes, beets, spinach, and kale. 

Let’s grow together, lazy gardener! This month, let’s try something simple.  A basic container, some potting soil, a package of radish seeds, and 21 days of dedication. 

Go to any garden center or big box store and purchase the following supplies:

• One pot that is at least 12” round and at least 10” deep.  Be sure it has drainage holes in the bottom, or a removable saucer. 
• One bag of potting soil to fill the pot.  Not garden soil, not topsoil, not compost.  Just plain potting soil.  Any brand is fine.
• One package of seeds.  Choose any variety of radish seeds you like.  Maybe some Crimson Giant, Scarlet Globe, or French Breakfast. 
• Plant labels. 
• One watering can, if you don’t already have one.  Ideally, choose one with a shower, or rose, head.  Even distribution of water is essential.

Now that you have gathered the supplies, it’s time to plant. 

Find a sunny location on your patio, porch, deck, or yard.  The more sun, the better. 

If the container has a removable saucer, take that off now.

Fill the container with potting soil to about 1” from the top of the container.  Do not press the soil down. Instead, give it a few taps to settle the soil. 

Now water the soil.  I know we haven’t planted the seeds yet.  It’s not time.  Use at least one full watering can; you may need to use two or three.  Keep adding water until it runs out of the bottom of the pot.  This will ensure the soil is fully saturated.  Many potting soils contain a wetting agent that holds water and slowly releases it over time.  Saturating the soil and the wetting agent will give the best results. 

Finally, it’s time to plant the radish seeds!  Don’t plant the whole package.  Start with nine seeds.  Place them on top of the soil in a grid.  Use some of the leftover soil and sprinkle a light blanket over the seeds.  Gently shower them with water.  Don’t forget the plant label – write the date and the name of the radish variety.  Now you’re done for today. 

Give them a gentle watering every day, unless it rains.  The top of the soil is going to dry out quickly, and the seeds need the water to germinate and grow.  In just 21 days, you will be enjoying fresh radishes that you successfully grew yourself.

I am going to check back with you then and ask for photos of your radishes to share.  Even the ones that may not have grown to be exactly what you expected.  I can’t wait to see your harvest next month!

Barbara Gregerson is a Consumer Horticulture Educator with Michigan State University Extension, offering research-based gardening advice and resources to help gardeners of all experience levels grow successfully in Michigan’s unique climate.

Featured photo: Royal Purple radish seeds promise a colorful and quick spring harvest. Photo by Barbara Gregerson.