CHAPTER XXXIII 



RADISHES 



A CONSIDERABLE quantity of Radishes is forced every Winter botii for 

 the market and for private use. As a commercial enterprise and with 

 good demand, quick returns may he reahzed, for two crops may be 

 gathered to one of Lettuce. Different methods have been recommended from 

 time to time for producing Radishes under gLass. They may be grown as a 

 catch crop, sown between other growing crops, such as Lettuce, Cauliflower, 

 etc., for they are ready to gather before the others are nearly matured. Many 

 growers probably follow this plan, especially where the space is limited. But 

 I do not approve of such mixed planting. In the first place, if each vegetable 

 is growing in its own allotted space, the house will have a neater appearance; 

 and while a few dollars may seemingly be saved by this double cropping, yet it 

 will be at the expense of quality, for a crop that is allowed free scope will natur- 

 ally develop better. I think that one good crop is preferable to two medium 

 ones. In greenhouse culture the aim should be a perfect product. If mixed 

 crops are grown in a garden we easily attribute any failure to climatic con- 

 ditions, but the grower under glass has no such excuse, although he also is de- 

 pendent on the sun during the Winter to firm up his crop. 



Better Radishes can be produced in solid beds than on raised benches. A 

 Lettuce temperature is ideal for Radishes, and a suitable soil liberally supplied 

 with thoroughly decayed farmyard manure will promote rapid growth. Rad- 

 ishes will grow satisfactorily in Lettuce soil, though it may be a bit more sandy, 

 and if rich in manure a much quicker growth will be obtained and roots more 

 uniform in size. The soil must be free from insects or worms that eat into 

 the roots. I am a strong advocate of hard, unleached wood ashes for all vege- 

 tables, particularly root crops. If these ashes are properly applied, there should 

 be no occasion to complain of worms destroying the plants. Aside from keep- 

 ing the insects in check, the ashes also improve the Radishes. 



Radishes may be sown broadcast or in drills, preferably the latter, as it 

 is much easier to keep them clean. For an indoor crop the best seed obtainable 

 should be sown. Radish seed, when purchased, usually does not run even, 

 but has a percentage of small seed, which will produce only small, inferior roots. 

 Better results may be obtained if the smallest seed is separated by means of a 

 fine screen; this will give an average strength of seed. With seed of high quality 

 and germinating power it is not necessary- to sow it so thick, for nearly every 



