Harvest Timing

• Horseradish typically experiences most of its growth in the late summer and early fall, so you should not harvest until late October or early November. Harvest all of it before the ground freezes.
  
  Horseradish can also be harvested in early spring if you can't store them properly during the winter, but leave them in the ground unless you are harvesting them for immediate use. They will continue to grow throughout the season. Harvest them for fresh use as needed.
  
  

Harvesting Instructions

• To harvest horseradish, simply dig a trench beside each row about 18 inches deep that runs the length of the row. On the other side of the row, use a shovel or spading fork to loosen the roots from the soil, then use the leaves as a handle to pull them out of the soil. Cut off all but 1 inch of the green tops, then trim off the sides and bottoms of the roots. Save roots that are at least 8 inches long to plant the next spring. Cut the roots you save to plant straight across the top, and at an angle at the bottom. This will help you remember to plant the angled end at the bottom next year.
  
  

Storage

• Tie root cuttings into small bundles and store them inside moistened sand in a box or crate. Ideally, horseradish roots should be stored in a basement or root cellar at temperatures of 32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. They should never be exposed to light, as this will turn them green, harming the flavor and health of the roots.
  
  Store horseradish roots for fresh use in dark wrapping inside the refrigerator. Do not use clear plastic wrap, because light can turn the roots green. If you must use clear plastic, place the wrapped roots inside a paper bag before placing them in the refrigerator.
  
  Dry excess horseradish and grind it into a powder and store it in an airtight container. Dried horseradish will not be as flavorful as fresh, but it will keep much longer.
  
  

Growing Tips

• Horseradish grows best in soil that is very rich, loamy and moist. If your soil is hard, compact, shallow or rocky, yields will be reduced and roots will be misshapen. If you have poor quality soil, consider growing your horseradish in containers or raised beds filled with a mixture of potting soil, organic compost, and a bit of peat moss to hold in the moisture horseradish requires.
  
  Horseradish is not planted from seeds, rather it is grown from root cuttings called "sets." Plant horseradish sets in early spring just as soon as the soil is warm enough to be worked. They should be placed 12 inches apart, and placed into the ground at a 45 degree angle or even vertically. Cover the sets with about 3 inches of soil.
  
  Weeds can be especially problematic for horseradish, so weed often or cover the soil around your horseradish plants with mulch. This will also help keep moisture in the soil, which is critical for the plant's development.