Tillage Radishes - Ask Extension
Hello, I’m planning on planting tillage radishes this fall, but I am concerned that it will not get cold enough in Maryland to winter kill. Have you...
Knowledgebase
Tillage Radishes #875487
Asked July 01, 2024, 12:25 PM EDT
Hello, I’m planning on planting tillage radishes this fall, but I am concerned that it will not get cold enough in Maryland to winter kill. Have you heard of this happening? If it doesn’t winter kill what is the easiest way to kill it so it’s still in the ground?
Baltimore City County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi, tillage radishes are typically winter-killed at about 25 degrees F. However, they could overwinter depending on winter temperatures and your location in Baltimore.
If that happens, you can terminate growth in early spring by cutting the top growth with a mower, string trimmer or sickle. It will take several weeks for the roots to decompose (produces a strong sulfur smell).
References:
https://extension.umd.edu/sites/extension.umd.edu/files/publications/No-till%20spring%20vegetables%20after%20forage%20radish%20cover%20crop.pdf
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/anr-0125
Jon
If that happens, you can terminate growth in early spring by cutting the top growth with a mower, string trimmer or sickle. It will take several weeks for the roots to decompose (produces a strong sulfur smell).
References:
https://extension.umd.edu/sites/extension.umd.edu/files/publications/No-till%20spring%20vegetables%20after%20forage%20radish%20cover%20crop.pdf
https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/anr-0125
Jon
