My son planted radish seeds for a science experiment. The purpose of the experiment was to compare the size of the plants in manure treated soil versus commercial fertilized soil. He used a 6-6-6 fertilizer. Of the 45 seeds planted (in containers), not a single one germinated in the fertilized pots. Can you provide an article that would explain what happened?
The reason that the seeds did not grow is due to fertilizer burn. Baby plants are like baby people. You can't give them too much of the wrong kind of food too early or it can cause damage.
Seeds contain all the nutrients a plant needs to get started. Extra fertilizer can quickly overwhelm a delicate newly sprouted seedling. Likely the seeds did germinate, but never got big enough to break the soil surface before they died.
I could not find a specific article on it, but here is one on when you should start fertilizing seedlings:
http://gardening.about.com/od/seedstarting/f/Seedling-Food.htm
Why do my radishes produce tops and very little root? This has only happened in the last two years.
This happens for the same reason as other root crops, like beets. That being said, the following article should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/beets/beets-small-or-deformed.htm
Last summer many radishes went to seed very early. How can we prevent that this year?
This is typically caused by the soil being too warm. This article will help you correct this:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/radish/radishes-bolting.htm
We bought a small greenhouse last year and one of the uses for it was to be able to grow a few vegetables while is was too cool for them to be outside. We planted in plastic tubs that had drainage with at least 18 inches of potting soil in each tub. Fertilized the plants with fish emulsion and kept a small heater going along with a fan. We got lots of green tops but no vegetables (radishes, carrots, beets). Any ideas what we're doing wrong?
Too much nitrogen is what happened. When plants have too much nitrogen, they get very leafy but have little fruit and roots. Give the plant some bone meal or something else containing phosphorous to rebalance the phosphorous and nitrogen in the soil. Here is more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/understanding-nitrogen-requirements-for-plants.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/phosphorus-plant-growth.htm
I have bugs eating the tops of my radish plants. Do they need the tops to grow and an organic solution?
There are several kinds of pests, including caterpillars, that feed on the tops. Without seeing the bug, I cannot ID it. But, the standard organic treatment for most pests is neem oil and may work on caterpillars too. In addition, Bacillus thuringiensis, also known as Bt, effective for caterpillars. As long as the bulb and roots are still intact and healthy, the radish will continue to grow.
When do I plant them to get radishes? This has happened every year for 7 years.
A few things to consider: too much nitrogen, not enough light, too much heat (check seed package), not thinning the sprouts. Here are some tips on radish growing: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/radish/tips-how-plant-radish.htm
I have radish in a pot that is being eaten by a small, long bug. Is there a home remedy that I can make to spray? If not, what do I need to buy so I am the only one eating my first crop of radish.
A neem oil spray should fix your little friend right up. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm