What are the best companion plants for radishes?
Written by
Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Choose Right Companions: Help Boost Radish Growth; Naturally Repel Pests! - Companion planting to attract beneficial insects and use pest predators naturally strengthens radish plants. In recent years I have learned the powerful benefits of companion planting to help radishes avoid the ravages of pests.Be careful to select proper plant companions for your radish growing experience. The right companions build soil nutrients and microclimate. This article highlights plants that make great companions.
Shade Regulation
- Plant lettuce east of radishes for afternoon shade
- Use spinach as living mulch between rows
- Harvest outer leaves to maintain light balance
- Rotate positions each planting season
Nitrogen Management
- Interplant peas every 3 radish rows
- Use bush beans for compact gardens
- Chop legume roots after harvest to release nitrogen
- Test soil nitrogen before planting
Pest Control
- Plant mint in containers near radish beds
- Crush dill leaves to release repellent oils
- Create herb borders around garden perimeter
- Refresh herbs after heavy rain
Leafy greens like lettuce and spinach help form lovely little microclimates that protect radishes from the scorching afternoon sun. I plant them on the western side of my radish beds, giving the spindly roots a break from the heat in midsummer while protecting them from sunburn, bolting, and bitter roots.
Leguminous plants such as peas, beans, etc., enrich the soil, largely because they are host to little Nitrogen-gathering bacteria; their roots fix up the free Nitrogen in the atmosphere, and I sow them between the rows in my alternating radish drill, every three feet. When they are ripe, I cut them level with the ground, and the decaying roots slowly return their store of Nitrogen to the soil.
Bitter herbs such as mint and dill ward off the usual destructive insects. The strong scent seems to befuddle the flea beetles, and I grow a quantity of mint in pots near my different radish patches. Dill is sown in patches along the edges of my beds. If the leaves are crushed occasionally, these plants become more pungent.
Carrots and parsnips improve the soil structure for radishes. I sow them in alternate rows with the radishes so that the "sow-others" break up the hard bottom and make it easier for the radish roots to follow. The carrots are pulled and should be sown as far apart as possible; otherwise, in removing them, you will do your young radishes much harm.
To use companion planting, follow these three easy steps: First, create suitable bed preparations to meet the needs of all companion plants. Then, plant seedlings or sow directly according to spacing. Finally, check your plants weekly for growth changes that require any adjustments. I find it helpful to draw out my layout plans ahead of time for successful plant placement.
Read the full article: When to Plant Radishes: Expert Guide
