How to Grow Horseradish

People tend to have strong feelings about horseradish: Either they loathe the stuff, or they can't imagine a roast beef sandwich without it. If you fall into the latter camp, here's good news: This hardy perennial herb is a cinch to grow from USDA zone 3 south.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Compost Makers
• Fertilizers
• Garden Spades
• Garden Trowels
• Plants
• Potting Soil
• Rototillers
• Horseradish Roots

1. Buy plants or roots at the nursery (horseradish is rarely, if ever, grown from seed) for planting after the last frost in spring.

2. Choose a site for location rather than growing conditions - a spot far removed from any other plants you care about. Left to its own devices, horseradish will stampede through your garden faster than you can say "Hi-ho, Silver!" But it will grow in any circumstances except deep shade or constant wetness.

3. Ensure the straightest, plumpest roots by tilling the soil to at least 12 inches, amending it with plenty of compost and removing all rocks and other obstructions.

4. Set plants or roots 9 to 18 inches apart, with the crown (the top of the root and the start of the top growth) about 4 inches below the soil surface, and water thoroughly.

5. Mulch to retain moisture and discourage weeds if you want to, but it's not necessary - horseradish thrives on neglect.

6. Dig horseradish roots anytime from midsummer on, but for best flavor wait until after the first frosts.

Tips & Warnings

• The surest way to control horseradish's rampant nature is to grow it in containers. The wooden half-barrels sold in nurseries work perfectly. Use potting soil enriched with compost, and water frequently.

• To make horseradish sauce, simply mix 2 lbs. grated root with 1 c. malt vinegar or white wine. You'll get about 1/2 pint of sauce from the roots of one plant, so plan your nursery order accordingly.

• Horseradish has uses beyond the kitchen. A thin layer of ground roots, spread on a wet cloth, generates heat and improves blood flow - much like a hot water bottle. Try it on hemorrhoids or aching muscles.

• If your eyes start to burn at the mere thought of chopping onions, don't even think about grating horseradish. As an eye irritant, it starts where onions leave off.

• Avoid manure and other fertilizers high in nitrogen: It will cause branching roots and excessive top growth.