Watercress is a microgreen that has a short ripening time. Suitable for growing not only in open ground, but also on the balcony. I would like to share my experience in growing this crop.
plant description
First of all, I would like to note the interesting taste of watercress. It is very spicy and refreshing, with hints of spiciness. Quite peculiar and I would compare it with mustard or radish. I use this herb only fresh to enjoy its taste as much as possible.
In specialized stores a large assortment of varieties is presented. For myself, I have identified the following:
- Whole-leaved. I grow on the balcony throughout the year.
- Sowing. Differs in fast terms of maturing. Also suitable for sowing in wooden boxes on a balcony, in a greenhouse or open field.
- Curly. It has very attractive external qualities.
Of all the varieties, I recommend paying attention to the following:
- Openwork;
- Danish;
- Ducat;
- Spring.
Growing on a balcony
For sprouting watercress at home, I used containers up to 13 cm deep. They were filled with soil. Some people buy the soil in the store, I prefer to prepare it myself.
For the manufacture of the substrate you will need components:
- garden soil - 2 parts;
- humus - 1 part;
- black peat - 1 part;
- sand - 1 part.
I harvest garden soil from my site in the fall. Before planting plants, I must disinfect them using a concentrated solution of potassium permanganate.
Watercress is an unpretentious culture. You can grow it both on an insulated balcony and on a windowsill. I use the second option and harvest up to 10 crops per year.
I adhere to the following rules for growing:
- I make drainage holes in the growing containers.
- At the bottom I lay out small pebbles.
- I fill the container with prepared soil and moisten it thoroughly.
- I make grooves 5 mm deep at a distance of 2.5 cm from each other.
- I place the seeds.
- I sprinkle with a small layer of soil.
- I moisturize thoroughly.
- I cover with a transparent film in which I make small holes.
- I clean the box in a place where the temperature is at least 24 ° C.
Landing daily airing and, as necessary, watering from a spray bottle. I remove the film as soon as the first shoots appear.
Watercress care at home
I note that this culture is unpretentious. When planting in fertile soil, it is enough to periodically water the plants with soft, warm, well-settled water.
7 days after germination, I feed with a small amount of complex fertilizers. The procedure is repeated every 14 days.
Outdoor cultivation
I sow watercress seeds in open ground in mid-April. I choose a place for planting even with fertile, loose soil with a neutral acidity index. The site must be protected from strong gusts of wind.
I level the surface of the beds 14 days before sowing the crop. I introduce a small amount of humus and mineral fertilizers.
Immediately before planting, I make furrows 1 cm deep, place the seeds in them and lightly sprinkle with soil.
At temperatures below 15 ° C, I cover the landing with a film. I remove the shelter as soon as it gets warmer outside.
So, watercress is an unpretentious microgreen with a piquant taste. I use the spice as a seasoning for fish and meat dishes. Subject to simple rules of agricultural technology, the plant produces a crop all year round.
What greens do you like to grow? Share your experience in the comments.
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