Thursday, April 14, 2011

Radish Raising


Radishes, though often eaten, are miserable things.
William Andrus Alcott, The Young House-keeper, 1846

Really? I would have to disagree.

Last evening in the garden, I couldn't resist. Although the radishes are a week or two away from salad perfection, there they were: poking their crimson and cream colors out of the soil. So I pulled them. Just one each. One Cherry Belle and one White Icicle. Then I lay on my back in the garden and held them up and studied them. They're works of art, really, and gardeners are nothing if not fascinated with the least little artwork to come from the ground.

Did you know: you can eat the green tops of radishes? Here in the South, people are over the moon for "greens", or the leafy tops of turnips. I'm not an adoring fan, but the old timers are. (Sorry, Dad.) People get wind of greens on a restaurant menu and there they go, boots kicking up the Texas dust to be the first to get a seat and a plate. Knowing this, I have half a mind to harvest and can radish greens this spring. Why not? Looks as if there will be plenty.

Also did you know: radishes, if left alone, will produce bean pods? Okay, maybe they aren't beans, but they're close. And delicious. (But don't take my word for it.) So technically you can eat the radish itself, its green tops, and let it go and get "beans" from it. What's so miserable about that?

If you're a beginner gardener or looking to get your kids interested in growing vegetables, try radishes this spring. They grow so easily and quickly from seed and are a delight...

A delight, not a misery.  :)  -Brin


P.S. There's a new garden forum over at the My Messy, Thrilling Life Community. Get advice... tell us about your garden... upload photos... or just browse and dream!

7 comments:

Adrienne said...

Have you tried Watermelon Radishes? I haven't tried them but my cousin planted them this year. He buys them at Whole Foods and said they are d.e.l.i.c.i.o.u.s! And cook up in stir-fry really well. We are a bit behind in our planting weather this year but I have watermelo radish seeds and can't wait to try them.
~Adrienne~

Becky K. said...

I love the color and crunch radishes add to salad but I had no idea they produced "beans" if let go. Interesting....

Donnie said...

I like the looks of the white icicle radish too. I have never grown those.

Stickhorsecowgirls said...

I love radishes with their peppery flavor--did not know you could eat the greens, but beet greens are delicious! I wonder if it is too late to plant radishes?

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