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In 2015 the Calbuco volcano erupted depositing volcanic ash. In the Patagonian steppe, the availability of water decreases in summer, when it is necessary for the irrigation of crops. The use of volcanic ash and yerba mate as a substrate for the growth of radishes was evaluated. The retention of water and the growth of the radish in the garden were compared with the greenhouse using the following substrates: volcanic ash, mixture (volcanic ash, soil and vermicompost), yerba mate and control soil. Physical-chemical analyzes of the substrates were performed. The water content of the soil was determined before irrigation. Radish growth was determined by the total weight of the plants, the length of the longest leaf, the wet and dry weight of the leaves and the weight of the radish. Volcanic ash is poor in nutrients, has greater water retention than control soil, when mixed with organic substrates improves. There was no significant difference in the growth of the radish with the mixture of the vermicompost, the quality was similar. The growth of the radish in the mixture of grass and soil was lower. It is concluded that it is more favorable to use volcanic ash mixed with organic substrates.