How to grow radishes in a raised bed

Radishes are the fastest reward in the garden — some are ready in as little as four weeks. They're perfect for filling gaps, and for keeping kids interested in growing.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun to part shade
• Spacing: 2–3 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 23 cm depth is plenty
• Time to harvest: 4–8 weeks

When to plant: Radishes grow nearly year-round in most of Australia, and do best in the cooler months. Sow a short row every couple of weeks for a steady supply. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

Growing them in a raised bed: Sow seed directly into loose, fine mix and thin the seedlings so the roots have room to swell. They're quick, so they slot in neatly between slower crops.

Watering and feeding: Keep the mix evenly moist for fast, mild roots — a dry spell makes them hot and woody. Not heavy feeders.

Common pests: keep an eye out for aphids, slugs and snails and cutworms. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.

Common diseases: the main ones are leaf spot and downy mildew. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.

Companion plants: They're a handy quick crop between carrots and lettuce, and can be sown to mark rows of slower seeds. See our companion planting guide.

Harvest and storage: Pull as soon as the roots are ready — radishes turn woody and hot if left too long. They're best eaten fresh.

Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: စာကလေး SarKaLay, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.