Courtesy of Wally S., Wally’s Urban Market Garden, Saskatoon, SK
For permie-minded farmers who are looking to put some of their growing space into permanent single crop production, horse radish is a good bet. I harvested about 5 lbs. from just 25 square feet. I could have gotten more but the soil was hard, and I just had a spade, so could not get that deep.
I’ll sell it for $10 – $15 per lb. I also have two special orders, one for $30 and the other for $20. Many customers come from an eastern European background, and horse radish is a big part of their culinary culture. Â Money seems to be no object for them. But this crop can be made to appeal to a much larger market as well.
Here I have separated the roots, which will be sold, from the crowns, which will be replanted.
Horse radish is known to be an invasive crop, but SPIN farmers should use that to their advantage. Put it in place where you can allow it to take over, and you end up with a crop that pretty much grows itself. Can’t have too much of those.