PLANTING
Plant horseradish into a well prepared, weed free bed. Place the root piece with the flat end up and the slanted end down at a 45 degree angle in the soil. The flat end should be 2 inches below the soil surface. The size and diameter of the horseradish root does not determine the ultimate size of the plant.

Horseradish is an extremely vigorous plant and given a small amount of attention, will flourish in most any garden situation. Space plants 10-12 inches apart in the row with 3 feet between rows. Divide your horseradish plant every year or two if you do not harvest the roots.

WEEDING AND FERTILIZING
Plants usually grow vigorously enough to shade out weeds within the row. Weed between the rows as needed throughout the summer. Horseradish is not a heavy feeder. A fertilization of 5 pounds of 10-10-10 per 100 square feet in the spring will work well.

HARVEST
You can start to harvest horseradish roots the next spring after planting, however, if you wait until fall, your roots will be larger. Dig the plants and harvest as many roots as you like. Any roots left in the soil will re-sprout into new horseradish plants.

USE
The most popular use of horseradish is as a condiment. Here is an easy recipe to try:

• Wash, peel, and dice horseradish roots. Place them in a grinder or blender with a small amount of water and a couple of ice cubes. Cover tightly and grind until desired consistency is reached. Vinegar or lemon juice stops the enzyme process that gives horseradish its bite. Add 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of salt per cup of horseradish sauce. Add immediately for a mild sauce; wait up to 3 minutes for a hot sauce. Store in a covered glass jar in the refrigerator or the freezer. (Adapted from a University of Illinois Extension Bulletin.)