Can I plant radishes in December? (Winter radish planting time and method)

Can I grow radishes in winter?

Radish is grown all over the world. In areas with suitable climatic conditions, it can be grown in all seasons. In most areas, it is mainly cultivated in autumn and becomes one of the main vegetables in autumn and winter.

You can plant radishes in December because they are semi-cold-resistant vegetables. Generally, radish seeds can germinate in an environment of 2-3℃, and when the seedlings grow, they can withstand temperatures as low as -2℃. Therefore, if you plant radishes in winter, they will not be affected by the temperature, and the yield will be considerable.

How to grow radish in winter

Land preparation and fertilization

  After the previous crop is harvested, deep plowing should be carried out as soon as possible, the soil should be fully frozen and dried, broken and raked, and sufficient base fertilizer should be applied. Pay attention to choosing radish varieties according to soil conditions. In addition, the way of making ridges varies depending on the variety, soil quality, terrain and local climatic conditions.

Radishes have a well-developed root system and need to be given enough basal fertilizer . Before land preparation, apply 100 dan of decomposed pig and cow manure, 25 kg of superphosphate, and 50 kg of compound fertilizer. After tilling the soil, harrow it and make the ridges so that the soil is loose, fine and even, and the ridge surface is flat.

Time seedlings

  Radish seedlings grow rapidly after emerging from the soil, so they should be thinned out in time. The principle is to thin out the seedlings early, thin them out in batches, and set the seedlings in the evening.

Early thinning will keep the seedlings small, and the roots of the remaining seedlings will not be damaged when pulling them out. Late transplanting can reduce the loss of plants caused by damage caused by certain borers, etc. In production, thinning is generally done 2-3 times.

Water and fertilizer management

  In fertilizer and water management, we should do the following: Promote the healthy growth of leaves and absorbing roots in the early stage, and lay the material foundation for the expansion of fleshy roots in the later stage.

When the nutrient growth reaches a certain extent, it must be controlled to promote the timely transfer of nutrients to the storage organs. During the rapid expansion period of the fleshy roots, the leaves must be guaranteed to have a long life and strong vitality, so that they can produce more nutrients and ensure the expansion of the fleshy roots.

Radish has different water requirements at different growth stages:

① Germination period

There must be sufficient water during the germination period, and the effective water content of the soil should be above 80%, so that germination can be rapid and emergence can be uniform.

② Seedling stage

From the seedling stage to a period of time before "breaking out", water less to facilitate the growth of the seedlings and encourage the root system to develop deep into the soil.

③Growth period

  During the peak growth period of leaves, water should be applied in moderation to ensure the development of leaves. During the peak growth period of fleshy roots, water should be supplied fully and evenly to ensure that the soil is moist and prevent alternating dryness and wetness.

If the water supply is insufficient at this time, it will not only affect the expansion of the fleshy roots, but will also increase the number of fibrous roots, make the texture rough, and lead to hollow heart.

Weeding

  After radish seedlings emerge, if the soil becomes compacted due to rain or watering, intertillage and weeding should be carried out in time. For long, exposed varieties, soil should be piled up to support the roots in the early growth stage to make them grow upright. Intertillage is generally not required after the rows are closed.