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Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Tuff Turf Tillage Radish
12-24 inch taproot breaks soil compaction without equipment. Nitrogen scavenger, winter-kills cleanly. Biological subsoiler. Raphanus sativus Daikon type.
Growing Guides & Fertilizer Education
Nature's subsoiler. Tillage Radish drives a 12-24 inch taproot straight down through compacted soil layers that would require heavy equipment to break mechanically. When the root winter-kills and decomposes in spring, it leaves an open channel in the soil that improves drainage, allows air penetration, and provides a pathway for subsequent crop roots to follow. One fall planting of Tillage Radish can replace a pass with a subsoiler—at a fraction of the fuel cost and without the compaction that heavy equipment creates.
Category
Brassica
Type
Tillage Radish
Scientific Name
Raphanus sativus var. longipinnatus (Daikon type)
Zones
Annual in all zones
Brand
Wicked Tuff Turf
What Is It ?
Nature's subsoiler. Tillage Radish drives a 12-24 inch taproot straight down through compacted soil layers that would require heavy equipment to break mechanically. When the root winter-kills and decomposes in spring, it leaves an open channel in the soil that improves drainage, allows air penetration, and provides a pathway for subsequent crop roots to follow. One fall planting of Tillage Radish can replace a pass with a subsoiler—at a fraction of the fuel cost and without the compaction that heavy equipment creates.
How to Apply ?
Step 1
Plant 60-90 days before frost; apply 50-80 lbs N
Step 2
No specific fertilizer requirement
Step 3
Spread seed (6-8 lbs/1k sq ft new; 3-4 lbs overseed)
Step 4
Plant 1/2 to 3/4" deep; firm seedbed
Step 5
Visible in 3-5 days; do not mow/graze
Step 6
Allow winter-kill; spring "rotten egg" smell is normal
Best For
Breaking soil compaction without mechanical tillage|Improving drainage in heavy clay soils|Nitrogen scavenging after corn, grain, or vegetable harvest|No-till farming systems (biological tillage)|Gardens with compacted subsoil|Preparing fields for deep-rooted cash crops|Pre-planting soil conditioning for new lawns|Cover crop mixes for soil structure improvement
FAQs
1.
What is a brassica blend?
Tillage radish (Raphanus sativus), also called daikon or forage radish, is a large-rooted brassica that penetrates compacted soil layers to a depth of 12-36 inches. The thick taproot (2-4 inches diameter) physically fractures hardpan and plow layers that restrict water movement and root growth. When the radish winterkills and decomposes, it leaves behind deep channels that improve drainage, aeration, and root penetration for the following crop—providing natural tillage without mechanical equipment.
2.
What does 85/80 Kentucky bluegrass mean in this mix?
Plant tillage radish in late summer (mid-July through August) for zones 4-6, or August through September in zones 7-8. Tillage radish requires 60-90 days of growth before hard frost to develop full-sized roots. The root must reach 8-12+ inches before winterkill to provide maximum compaction relief. Spring planting is not recommended—tillage radish bolts to seed quickly in lengthening spring days, producing a flower stalk instead of a large root.
3.
How much clover is in the All Purpose Lawn Mix and will it be visible?
Seed tillage radish at 8-10 lbs per acre broadcast, or 4-6 lbs per acre drilled in rows. For garden plots, use approximately 0.25 lbs per 1,000 sq ft. Plant 0.25-0.5 inches deep. When mixed with other cover crops (cereal rye, crimson clover, oats), reduce to 2-4 lbs per acre. Plant spacing of 4-8 inches between plants produces the largest roots—overseeding at high rates produces many small roots rather than fewer large ones.
4.
Does tillage radish winterkill or come back in spring?
Tillage radish winterkills at temperatures below 20-25°F, which is the intended design. The root freezes, decomposes in place over winter, and leaves behind an open channel in the soil. By spring planting time, the decomposed root has created a ready-made hole for water infiltration and subsequent crop roots. In zones 7-8 where winters are mild, tillage radish may survive and bolt to seed in spring, which can become a weed issue.
5.
How deep do tillage radish roots grow?
The All Purpose Mix performs in 3-8+ hours of direct sunlight. Optimal performance is at 4-6 hours. In shadier spots (3-4 hours), creeping red fescue carries the stand. In full sun (8+ hours), tall fescue tends to dominate over time. For less than 3 hours of direct sun, the Sun & Shade Mix is a better choice with its 65% fine fescue content designed specifically for heavy shade. The All Purpose is best described as a moderate-shade-tolerant blend.
6.
What fertilizer program does the All Purpose Lawn Mix need?
Apply 2-3 lbs nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft annually, with the white clover component providing an additional 0.5-1 lb N through biological fixation. Fall fertilization (September-October in zones 4-6) produces the best results. A simple program: 1 lb N per 1,000 sq ft in September, 1 lb in late October, and optionally 0.5-1 lb in late May. Avoid heavy spring nitrogen which promotes disease and weed pressure. Slow-release or organic fertilizers complement the clover's natural fertility contribution.
7
What cover crops mix well with tillage radish?
Tillage radish pairs well with cereal rye (rye provides winter cover after radish winterkills), crimson clover (adds nitrogen fixation), oats (fast establishment and biomass), and hairy vetch (nitrogen fixation plus spring biomass). A popular three-way mix is tillage radish (4 lbs/acre) + cereal rye (40 lbs/acre) + crimson clover (8 lbs/acre). Avoid mixing with other large-rooted brassicas like turnips, as they compete for the same soil niche.