Jim, Most of my Turnips do that as well. Like you say, not all of my turnips do it, but some do. Mine seem to grow ok, even if they are flopping a little, but when they fail to bulb up enough it's usually due more to being spaced too close together rather than the growing on top of the soil. So when I pull out the larger ones, I leave the smaller ones behind and then they start bulbing up. Try spacing the plants a little farther apart maybe? My Daikons pushed up but only about 3 inches of the total 8 inch radish. I did find this on the web about Turnips: Earthing up In turnip, the growing roots tend to push out of the soil surface. Therefore, earthing up is done to cover the exposed surface of the roots. The first earthing-up should be done when the plants are about 15-25 cm high. The second earthing up is often done 25-30 days after sowing to cover up the tubers properly. So if you're really concerned, that technique might work on your root veggies too? Susan

OT but I will post anyway because I think others have properly addressed Ania's radish dilemma and the discussion needs no input from me. I hope the OP can solve the problems. :-) KatyaKatya mentioned the young radish seed pods being edible. A person can also let some of the seed pods mature to harvest the seed for edible sprouts and for planting next season. For such a lowly, somewhat disrespected little vegetable one gets a lot of bang for the buck. Roots, leaves, pods, and seeds can all be consumed. Sprouts from the seeds can be consumed, and the seeds can easily be harvested and saved for next season. (Being mindful of cross pollination issues of course.) If interested, check out the link below to see my slideshow. -Tom Here is a link that might be useful: How to harvest radish seed.

Paul NS, From the Nova Scotia Dept. of Agriculture and Marketing: Atlantic Vegetable Production--Radish: http://www.nsac.ns.ca/lib/apascc/acv/production/radish.htm I'd also be cautious of guessing about adding things like epsom salts. It may be a short term solution and make you feel better but for optimum results, contact the Nova Scotia Dept. of Agriculture and ask them where you can have your soil tested. The results will show you exactly what you need to do to amend your soil. Testing in my state was less than $12 and results lasts three to five years. Completely worth it. No guessing, no buying and adding things you don't need and wasting money you don't have to. The most important issue as mentioned above for root crops such as radishes is consistent moisture and cool temps. Again, sandy soil is only good if you have ammended it with peat so that the peat keeps moisture so that is is readily available to the plant. Only sand will not work because water will drain out of the sand so moisture will not be constantly available for the plant. More info: http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/veggies/radish1.html

I meant to reply sooner, but have been away. Pawneepapa, you made it it a success! We just helped a little. I was wowed by the variety I received in the pack. I can't wait to get planting. This certainly helped stave off the winter doldrums. It's good to know the extras will be used and are appreciated. Thanks to all for making my first seed swap experience wonderful. I'll be participating again! Barb