What Not to Plant with Radish

Radishes are a popular and easy to grow vegetable that add a crisp, tangy bite to salads and other dishes. However, not all plants are compatible with radishes, and planting the wrong things alongside them can lead to stunted growth or poor quality produce. In this article, we will explore what not to plant with radish to ensure a bountiful harvest.

Avoid Planting with Brassicas

Radishes belong to the Brassicaceae family, which includes a variety of other vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage. While these plants share many similarities with radishes, planting them together is not a good idea. This is because brassicas can attract the same pests and diseases as radishes, which can lead to reduced yields for both plants.

In addition, brassicas tend to have deep root systems that can compete with radishes for nutrients and water. This can result in smaller radishes that may not form bulbs at all. To avoid these issues, it's best to plant radishes and brassicas in separate areas of your garden or in different growing seasons.

Don't Plant with Beans

Beans and radishes may seem like a natural pairing, but in reality, they don't do well together. This is because beans are legumes, which means they have the ability to fix nitrogen in the soil. While this is great for the beans, it can actually harm radishes.

Radishes prefer soil that is low in nitrogen, as too much can lead to excessive leaf growth and poor root development. Planting beans alongside radishes can add too much nitrogen to the soil, which can result in spindly, poorly developed radishes.

Avoid Planting with Nightshades

Nightshades like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants are not a good match for radishes. This is because they are heavy feeders that require a lot of nutrients and water, which can leave little for the radishes.

In addition, nightshades can attract pests like flea beetles, which can also be a problem for radishes. Finally, nightshades tend to have sprawling growth habits that can shade out radishes and prevent them from developing properly.

The Bottom Line

While radishes are a relatively easy crop to grow, it's important to pay attention to what you plant alongside them. Avoiding brassicas, beans, and nightshades can help ensure that your radishes grow strong and healthy, and produce a bountiful harvest. If you do need to plant these crops together, consider using companion planting strategies to maximize their compatibility and minimize any negative effects.