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When to plant
radishes in the UK
The quickest crop you can grow — seed to plate in 4 weeks. Sow between slower crops to use the space while you wait.
What radishes need
Sun or partial shade. Light soil. Not fussy.
Varieties to try
Elongated classic, mild flavour
Round, red, ready in 4 weeks
Red and white — kids love them
Where to buy radishes seeds
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Other crops to grow
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Sow thinly to avoid thinning — the smell of crushed leaves is a dinner bell for
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Push sets into the soil with the tip just showing. Easiest way to grow onions —
Chit (sprout) seed potatoes on a windowsill before planting. Earth up as they gr
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Very slow to germinate (2-4 weeks). Use fresh seed every year. Sow radishes alon
Sow a pinch every few weeks and you'll have spring onions all season. Dead easy
Beautiful and productive. Pick outer leaves and it keeps going for months. Rainb
Harvest when golf-ball sized for the sweetest flavour. Leave them too long and t
Drop seedlings into deep holes and just water in — no need to fill the hole. The
Cut the main head first and you'll get side shoots for weeks. Purple sprouting i
Different varieties for each season — spring, summer, autumn, and winter types.
Fold outer leaves over the curd to keep it white. Cauliflower leaves are delicio
Grow through summer, harvest from autumn through winter. Flavour improves after
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Slow to germinate (3-4 weeks) — don't give up on it. Soak seeds overnight in war
Plant in a block, not a row — they're wind-pollinated and need neighbours. Each
You only need 2-3 plants. Seriously. Pick them small (15cm) or they turn into ma
Dwarf varieties need no support. Pick every few days — once they start producing
Big hungry plants — give them space and feed them well. Leave to cure in the sun
Limit each plant to 2-3 fruits for bigger pumpkins. Sit them on a tile or slate
Bolts at the slightest excuse. Sow every 3-4 weeks, pick frequently, and choose
Dead easy and fast. Gets spicier in hot weather — which is either a feature or a
Sow early spring or after midsummer — it'll bolt faster than you can blink in th
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Pinch out side shoots on cordon types. Feed weekly with tomato feed once the fir
Start early — they're slow growers. Pinch out the first flower to encourage bush
Need heat to germinate — use a propagator or the warmest windowsill you've got.
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Build a strong frame — they get seriously heavy. Pick every 2-3 days or they go
Start very early — January isn't too soon. Limit to 5-6 fruits per plant if you
Pinch out flower buds to keep leaves coming. Harvest from the top to encourage b