Harvesting and Storing Horseradish

[@jenniferpepler5843]

I fought a "weed" in my newly purchased home that had a lovely garden out back. This "weed" was insanely hearty & VERY stubborn! As soon as it poked through the dirt and I saw a bit of green, out I came with my shovel and I would dig as deep as I could and no matter how deep I went I could never get the main root! It took 7 YEARS!!! Seven years of digging this up every time I seen it poking through. Then about 2 years after being successful, I was in a greenhouse and as I went through the check out, there, sitting on a display shelf was my "weed" in a bucket and they wanted $15 for it! I dang near started crying. Lol I asked what it was and of course I now know it be horseradish! So I would be surprised if you got rid of it easily the next year. There is a reason they say to be 100% certain on the location before you plant it. I understand why! Lol Did you have any horseradish in the garden in that spot the next year? I am very curious! 😉

[@Betterterra]

I uncomfortably laughed at this as I read your comment. This is season number 3 of the "weed" battle. In fact I just harvested one and made a horseradish garlic mayo for some roast beef sliders.

[@jenniferpepler5843]

@@Betterterra Lol I figured you would be fighting the "weed" battle for a few years too. I am not exaggerating, it took me 7 years. You caught it early, so hopefully it won't take you that long. Actually, maybe you can help me with another question that just came up. I no longer have my own plant but a farm I pass by often has a ton of it in his pasture/yard. I approached him and he said I could help myself to as much as I want. There is an insane amount! The homeowner didn't even know what horseradish was much less he has a ton of it. Lol So I hope to go harvest a bunch over the next week or so but recently was told that if the root isn't from the same growing season it will be woody. The horseradish I found likely hasn't been harvested in a very long time for reasons I won't go into. What are your thoughts on harvesting some of this root veg? Do you think I am wasting my time and money to do so?

[@Eshaw-pl7ei]

Great video. Will defiantly plant some Horseradish for making Fire Cider next fall.

[@Betterterra]

Sounds great! Thanks for watching

[@svetlanakutsaya5726]

In Russia we use horseradish leaves for cucumbers pickle in jars

[@Betterterra]

I use the leaves for pickles as well. They have a lot a tannins in the leaves that help keep them nice and crisp.

[@georgannebeck1293]

Idk what I would do with all that, only thing I use it for is cocktail sauce. just too strong for my tastes. Although that crunch does sound yummy!

[@dorothyregazzi1737]

Did you know that the green shoots that you are throwing away are a good way to restart a new horseradish plat for next year. Just replant them the fall you dig your horseradish out. Just cut it below the green shoot and plant it just under the dirt

[@Betterterra]

Thanks for the tip!

[@disko.kommando]

I love me some horseradish! Time to make prime rib eh?

[@antoinettecourtois2452]

Chickens love grubs!!!

[@amghinistar4582]

Great video, loved seeing your process from start to finish! I really want to try growing horseradish this year! I've never seen those fabric containers before, very cool. How did you store the smaller tap roots? And will you use those to replant next year?

[@Betterterra]

Thanks for the questions! The grow bags are great and usually at a great price, here is the link amzn.to/3DqjXbu . The smaller tap roots have been hanging out in my garage fridge veggie crisper with a damp paper towel in a loose plastic bag. My plan is to use them for replanting as soon as the soil warms up. Sharing with friends also.

[@MN_Candy]

​@@Betterterra the bag ripped.... what do you plan to plant them in next go round?

[@Betterterra]

I did a short video where I planted them "Guerilla" style. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqvMdGR-pbJomJo

[@marrceliuslonhardt5999]

great. but what happens when you dont harvest the plant for another 1-2 years? how much bigger roots?

[@Betterterra]

The roots won't be bigger necessarily, but you would have many more as the plants spread. Horseradish is pretty invasive and spreads quickly.

[@stonesthrownevada]

If you do not harvest first year they become very, very woody and are not good to eat. @@Betterterra

[@Thegardeningmacgyver]

We need an update...did the root growth from bottoms of bags make new plants?

[@Betterterra]

OH yes. It has been a battle ever since. Be careful.

[@Thegardeningmacgyver]

@@Betterterra I've started my "horseradish adventures " this yr also. But I am absolutely hating the grow bags. They dry out in my zone 8b heat fast. Have to water min 2x a day in heat above 80F

[@missanthrope2]

25:40 can you just leave the container out side probably freeze

[@Betterterra]

I'm not sure what you are asking. If it is freezing temps outside, it will freeze.

[@missanthrope2]

Will it grow on tree line trees on east left and 40ft trees on west to right nit much sun

[@Betterterra]

It's worth a try, but I like it does the best in the sun

[@MN_Candy]

Found it!

[@Betterterra]

Yes! And small roots did grow through and we are battling it back this year already. Lesson learned. I did a short called "Guerrilla Horseradish" where I plant it in a remote area.

[@MN_Candy]

@@Betterterra I'm just planting mine today! First time growing it. I think I'll set my grow bags on a concrete slab. 🤣 My yard is too small for them to be taking over!!!

[@dawnmorelli1342]

I received some horseradish plant from a friend. Do I have to wait 2 years to harvest root for fire cider? Thanks

[@Betterterra]

I don't think that's necessary, as you can see in this video I got a really good harvest after one year. I would imagine you might get bigger roots if you wait 2 years, but not required. Just be very careful of where you plant your horseradish, I can't stress enough on how invasive it is. I will come up year after year no matter how much you try to dig it up. If you look in this video ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHy1h4ubbdeMeck ) I show how much it has taken over a section of my garden 2 years later and it is from roots penetrating the bottom of my container that I sat in the garden. Be Mindful and you'll get horseradish for ever.

[@storya14]

If I bought horseradish from the store, can I plant that?

[@Betterterra]

In most cases the answer is yes and the same can be said for ginger. There may be some edge cases where the root isn't viable.

[@patroot2536]

I bought a huge horseradish from the store and left it on the cupboard for 2 days and it started to sprout in the package so I cut it and planted so hoping it'll continue to grow , keeping my fingers crossed lol

[@storya14]

@@patroot2536 best of luck!! 🤞🤞🤞

[@feraltweed]

Your chickens will thank you for those grubs

[@Betterterra]

Right you are.

[@chrisjones3901]

Dont understand why water surely they will sweat and rot

[@cory8791]

Yea no thanks!