David Gardner, age 9, of Las Vegas, Nov., for his question:

WHERE DID THE RADISH COME FROM?

The radish is a vegetable whose roots are usually eaten raw as an appetizer, as a relish or added to salads. The radish originated in China thousands of years ago but it has since become an easy to grow member of family gardens in all parts of the world.

The radish is a peppery, sharp, pungent vegetable that comes in a number of sizes, shapes and colors. It can range from white, yellow, red, purple and black in color and 1t can be shaped like an olive or a carrot. In all radishes, the inner color is white.

Radishes have a long growing season that extends from spring to fall. They grow best fn light, rich soil.

Radishes can be grown from seed in just six weeks.

While most types of radishes have roots that are just do inch or so in length, one variety produces roots that are 10 inches long.