Radishes falling over

[Hermit]

Does anyone know why my radishes and turnips come up, then seem to fall over before growing properly? Is it not planting them deep enough. They do grow after that but the roots never seem to firm up into veg. I do no it isn't damping because apart from then growing ok, there is no black or discolouration around the bases.

[WendyS]

Is the soil moist and fertile Hermit? Both these vegetables like rich moist soil because they grow very quickly. It's possible that with the current warm weather they're not getting enough moisture, or your soil isn't sufficiently rich in humous. Also, are you suffering from slugs? They're not always visible during the day but they can really feast on these plants overnight and just leave a silvery trail in the morning as the only evidence.

[Hermit]

The soild could be better I think and there is some slug evidence although the fallen ones don't seem damaged. I feel a bit foolish struggling with radishes, they are supposed to be so easy.

[Clanad]

Part 1

All root crops such as carrots, radishes, turnips, etc. that have a problem of developing tops but very little in the way of root can usually be traced to these three causes:

Improper thinning; As soon as the plant emerges and produces as least two leaves they should be thinned to at least 2 inches from each other and the rows no more than 5 to 10 inches apart.

[Clanad]

Part 2

Improper watering; The plants should receive at least an inch per week but the appication should be 'deep' watering, i.e., at least half an inch per time. Geting only the surface wet is a major cause of lack of root development.

[Clanad]

Part 3

The last general cause could be to much or toearly of an application of high nitrogen content fertilizer. This is a major cause of leaft develpment with little or not root development.

If you seem to have little or no insect infestation, these are the concerns I would have.

Sorry for the multiple postings, but the site appears to have its recurring problem of accepting longer posts...

[Hermit]

Many thanks Clanad, I've been having the trouble of long postings too. Your reply was certainly comprehensive and your persistence in posting it is much appreciated, I'm gong to try breaking this posting down as well since it won't go....

[Hermit]

This problem seems to manifest itself at the seedling stage. I keep them watered but try not to overdo it as they presumably have shallow roots at that point and are in danger of being washed away if I overdo it. I'm guessing that once they've fallen they won't swell both from last year and from my one successful radish this year as it's nice and proud and has a bulb whilst its fellows have slinked along the ground for an inch before putting out proper leaves and so far have no bulb.

[Clanad]

Last thought Hermit, did you winter over the seeds or are they fresh this year? I've had your problem with seeds kept over the winter. I suspect it's genetic since I don't allow them to freeze, but that's only an exasperated guess..
Best of luck!

[Hermit]

They were over wintered Clanad and altho fresh last year they were from a cheap shop. I like that post, it suggests I'm not a poor gardener, just had shoddy seed. Altho the turnips were from Suttons so maybe not, but I'll look at it that way anyway. Thanks 4 yr help.

[WendyS]

Hermit - the overwintered seed might also be the cause. My cardboard seed box is full of half-used packet of seed, some of which are two or three years old because I hate wasting them. But I've had real problems getting some things to germinate this year so maybe this is a possible cause.

[Hermit]

I am wondering if I over water. Part of me thinks that when seedlings are small their roots are small so need lots of watering, but part of me thinks that when they are small their water requirement must be minimal anyway. Anyone got any tips, the surface dries out really quickly but it can be hard to tell how moist the soil is just below that?