Should a person cut the leaves off horseradish plant in the fall?
Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/horseradish/growing-horseradish-how-to-grow-horseradish.htm
I've tried and tried cultivating horse radish this year. most of it was available during the fall.
I planted a few in deep containers, one each.
their leaves disappeared and i guess they died.
is there a particular horse radish predator that I need to know about?
You would be best off planting it in the spring and that will give it a chance to get a good hold before the cold weather sets in. That being said, it is best to wait at least 2 years before harvesting horseradish as this gives it a good chance to establish itself.
Make sure that in containers when you plant it, you keep it well watered. As soon as the top of the soil feels dry, it needs to be watered. In hot weather (80F or higher) you may need to water everyday.
What can I do to make my horseradish plant have that nice hot bite to the taste again? It was originally my grandfather's and began in soil loaded with chicken manure. It was transplanted twice to its present location in my garden where it's been growing for several years. Every year, I amend my garden with chicken manure and compost, but still the horseradish tastes relatively bland in comparison with the nice bite it used to have. Any suggestions?
Believe it or not, you are probably over fertilizing it. It gets so much nutrients and grows so fast that the "flavor" is not as concentrated in the flesh of the root and therefore it tastes bland. Many herbs are like this. Don't fertilize it for a few years and you will see that bite return.
What is the cause of half of my roots becoming brown mush?
That is root rot. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/treating-root-rot-gardening-tips-for-housplants.htm
I have several pieces of horseradish that have been rooted and have the tops growing and they are ready to go in the ground. The question is about how much sun they need. Obviously it is better for my horseradish if I can stick it in a bed of ivy and behind some shrubs so the landscapers don't pull it out (again) thinking it is a weed.
Give it full sun to partial shade. By the way, you can also grow this in containers, which should keep the landscapers at bay. This article should help as well: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/horseradish/growing-horseradish-how-to-grow-horseradish.htm
How deep does the containment barrier need to be for horseradish planted in the ground?
Should you keep both male and female plants in same garden?
Male, female together makes no difference. Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/horseradish/growing-horseradish-how-to-grow-horseradish.htm