Who doesn’t like the idea of raising vegetables in their gardens? It is a fun activity and incredibly rewarding! And the best part is that you’ll enjoy veggies that taste nothing like the ones you buy at the store.
Of course, not everything is dreamy when growing a garden! Planting vegetables (and keeping them healthy) takes time and effort. It requires much more than watering your plants once or twice a week.
For instance, you’ll need to know about each species’ requirements, learn how to fertilize them, and keep your eyes out for pests and weeds.
And even then, sometimes, your veggies might have issues. If you are here, you may wonder: “why are my radishes splitting?.” Well, you have landed in the right place! You’ll find all you need to know on the subject in this essential guide.
Why Do Radish Split?
Digging up split radishes can be disappointing. But what causes such a condition? Usually, these root veggies (just like carrots) would crack with inadequate soil moisture. Indeed, when the water distribution is uneven, roots might develop messily.
For instance, if your radishes suffered from a period of drought, followed by thorough watering, the plants might not be able to cope with the change in absorption needs. The result may cause splitting.
Additionally, radishes may split if you don’t harvest them at the right time. You should avoid leaving them on the ground for too long and dig them when they are ready. Avoid over-fertilizing the soil. Too much nitrogen or potassium might stress your plants and cause them to split.
If you are dealing with such a condition, don’t worry: the good news is that there are ways you can prevent it. Jump to the following sections to learn how!
Can You Prevent Splitting?
The short answer to this question is yes: you can prevent splitting. However, as you may already imagine, the measures you have to take depend on the cause of splitting. However, don’t forget that the issue with splitting doesn’t make them unsafe to eat. Indeed, they are still edible and will taste just the same! But if you want to have your veggies look good, you should take the following measures.
Learn About your Radishes’ Water Needs
If you suspect watering might be causing splitting, you can prevent it by following a consistent schedule. Don’t forget to check your local weather regularly to avoid watering too much before a storm. However, the best way to tell if your veggies need more moisture is to feel the soil: if it isn’t dry, you should way a couple of days before adding extra water.
You’ll probably have to increase the watering frequency as the temperatures rise. Consider adding a layer of mulch to improve water retention and keep a stable temperature around your plants. Doing so will also increase the nutrient content, which will benefit your plants’ growth.
Harvest Them At The Right Time
When you leave radishes on the ground for too long, you might cause them to suffer from cold temperatures, which might stress your plants. Ensure you are familiar with the time to maturity for your plants since it may vary depending on the species you pick.
Also, check on your radishes as the maturity date gets closer to avoid digging them too late. After all, leaving them for too long in the ground will cause splitting, and it can also alter the taste and the texture of your veggies.
Do not Overfertilize the Soil.
Too much of a good thing can be detrimental. For this reason, you should follow the instructions you find on the products you decide to apply to your garden.
If you don’t, you may cause issues with your plants. For instance, too much nitrogen can cause cracking and might alter your veggies’ taste. Also, it might burn them or even kill them if you are not careful.
If you want to avoid such issues, consider selecting fertilizers low in nitrogen instead of balanced products. Alternatively, you can apply organic matter such as manure or compost. Doing so will increase the nutrient content without harming your plants.
Why are my radishes splitting: Conclusion
According to some studies, boron deficiency in the soil might also cause splitting and poor root development.
If you are doing anything else right, you should do a soil test to check if something is off with the substrate. Purchase suitable products to amend the soil in case of deficiencies.
Related article: Can Radishes Survive Frost?