Growing Watercress – How to Grow Watercress
After you find out how beneficial growing watercress is, you’re sure to be happy to consume all vegetables just as Mom always said you should.
Watercress, also known as Nasturtium officinale isa part of the cabbage family (Brassica oleracea var. capitata). It is an aquatic type vegetable noticeable because of its zesty pepper flavor.
Perhaps you haven’t heard a lot about growing watercress, but unknown to most, it is possibly one of the oldest leaf vegetables known to human beings. It is called the original ‘superfood’ because of all the amazing health advantages watercress can provide you.
In 400 BC, Hippocrates, the father of medicine, was growing watercress in order to aid his patients. Soldiers from Greece had to consume watercress immediately before battle in order to increase vigor. (Not by their Mothers.!) Emperors of Rome said that it helped.
When growing watercress from seed, the best way of doing things is tosow the seeds inside the house around two weeks just before the last of the winter frost is expected. Lay a piece of paper towel into a shallow tub , then moisten it. Put all the seeds on the towel and pour in about half a centimeter of purified water.
If the seeds remain damp and warm, they should germinate within 7 to 10 days. After 3 weeks of germination, the watercress should be ready for transplanting ~outside~outdoors}.
Watercress can be planted either in pots, or in the earth, but you should make sure that the soil is continuously soggy. Use a rich mix of moist soil, limestone, and organic compost for growing watercress.
As its name implies, it thrives in water. This year round plant grows naturally along small creeks and streams. In nature, the plant is partially below shallow water, with its roots in the water, and the top half above the water. Don’t fret, you don’t have to live near a lake or pond just so you can grow watercress.
This fast growing plant can easily be grown inside in plant pots that are placed into a open container of shallow water. Make sure to keep the cress moist constantly when growing watercress. The trick is damp not soaked, because too much water can kill it. Watercress enjoys full sun, but grows faster not reach by direct sunlight. The ideal place for growing watercress is in partialshade.
Harvest leaves and young stems before the flowers bloom. When @growing watercress@, leaves should be harvested, just before use. Watercress should only be kept refrigerated for a week.
Growing Watercress health benefits…
Watercress is full of nutrients called phytochemicals, which is a selection of compounds that fight cancer cells. These strong antioxidants help strengthen your body’s immune system, which in turn can protect from heart disease.
The large amount of lutein found in this plant species is another benefit of growing watercress. Lutein is believed helpful in stopping the on-set of artery disease and heart attacks.
Watercress is also chocked full of vitamins. It also has a very small calorie count (only 4 calories per cup!). When eating watercress, you’ll notice the peppery flavor of the leaves acting as stimuli to your digestive system.
Ideas for using watercress—
Try watercress in your next smoothie, to give it that extra kick Watercress can also be served in sandwiches (think egg & cress). Chop watercress into little pieces and mix it with cream cheese and chives. Watercress can add flavor to most types of salad.
Watercress adds a delicious flavor to soups. Cut the watercress into fine pieces and cook it in chicken or vegetable stock. Add watercress to omelets or stir-fry.
You may have thought watercress was only the greenery on plates served in fancy restaurants. Actually, watercress is one of the main ingredients in V8 Vegetable Juice.
To sum up, it is definitely recommended to start growing watercress. Go have a try.
Tags: grow watercress, growing herbs, growing watercress, how to grow herbs, how to grow watercress
• Gardening Clubs – Obtain The Assistance You Desire For Your Gardening Issues
• Small Scale Gardening
• Gain The Knowledge About Indoor Tropical Plant Care: How to do
• Window Gardens: A Beautiful Option for Small Space Gardening
• Benefits That Having Your Own Herb Garden will give you
