Overview

Horseradish can liven up many dishes. It is low in calories but packs a big spicy punch, taste-wise. If you are one of the many people who enjoy this root, you can grow it in your own back yard. Horseradish is fairly low-maintenance and is easy to establish. Horseradish does have a tendency to spread, so keep this in mind when you choose the planting space. You can find the roots for planting at some garden centers, or just use some from your local grocer.

Step 1

Choose a sunny area of your garden that is away from other plants so that the horseradish doesn't steal the other plants' soil space when it spreads. If you have hard-packed, clay soil, add some sand to it to provide better drainage. Plant in the spring or fall, when the ground is workable and not frozen.

Step 2

Use a shovel to dig a narrow trench deep enough for the roots--about 2 feet, according to the-herb-guide.com--plus 4 inches deeper. Planetnatural.com suggests planting the roots 1 to 2 feet apart. You generally won't need to add fertilizer--if you do, asparagusgardener.com recommends using one that is high in potash and low in nitrogen. Mix it in well with the soil before planting.

Step 3

Place each root piece, crown up (this is the widest part of the root), into the soil. The top of each piece should be 4 inches below the soil surface, according to planetnatural.com.

Step 4

Fill in the trench with soil to cover the crowns of the horseradish completely (with 4 inches of soil). Water the trenches well with your garden hose. Keep the soil moist but not muddy all through the growing season.