The watercress is relatively easy to care for, provided it is in the right location. It is practically impossible to give it too much water, because it belongs to the aquatic plants. However, it does not need fertilizer.

Grow watercress on the windowsill

You can also grow watercress on the windowsill. However, you will need a large planter and an inner pot with a drainage layer of coarse gravel or potsherds. The planter needs to be filled with fresh water every other day. In this way, the watercress can always draw plenty of water.

How much water does watercress need?

Watercress needs a lot of oxygen-rich water. It is best placed by a flowing body of water, such as a stream. If this is not possible, then it must be watered at least every other day. If the watercress does not have enough water, then it becomes more susceptible to diseases and pests.

watercress in winter

The watercress is considered hardy. It tolerates frost down to -10 °C without any problems. At lower temperatures you can give her fleece winter protection. However, it is important that the water in which the watercress is standing does not freeze.

Typical watercress diseases

If the watercress is always in fresh water with the roots, then it is relatively insensitive to diseases and pests. Your biggest enemy is the snail. Before that, you should protect your watercress as much as possible and remove all snails.

Lice, mildew and fungi can also target your plants. If you use chemical agents to combat it, the watercress will no longer be edible. If, on the other hand, you cut back the plant and wait for the new shoots, you can hope for an early harvest.

Harvesting the watercress

Watercress is one of the few plants from which you can still harvest in your own garden in winter. From September the spring young plants are big enough for you to start harvesting. This lasts until May, just before the watercress blooms.

The essentials in brief:

  • partially shaded location
  • hardy plant
  • lots of fresh water
  • Mounting on the windowsill possible

tips and tricks

With watercress you have the opportunity to harvest vitamins in your own garden even in winter.

UE

Category:

Vegetable garden