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 is an aquatic plant. However, it does not need fertilizer.
How do I care for watercress properly?
To care for watercress optimally, you should choose a partially shaded location, regularly supply it with oxygen-rich water and provide winter protection in winter. Growing it on the windowsill is also possible. Protect the plant from slugs and other pests.
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 made of coarse gravel or shards of pottery. The planter needs to be filled with fresh water every other day. This means that 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 near 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, it becomes more susceptible to diseases and pests.
Watercress in winter
Watercress is considered hardy. It can tolerate frost down to -10 °C without any problems. At lower temperatures you can give it winter protection made of fleece. However, it is important that the water in which the watercress is standing does not freeze.
Typical diseases of watercress
If the watercress roots are always in fresh water, 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. On the other hand, if you cut back the plant and wait for the new shoots, you can hope for a harvest soon.
The watercress harvest
Watercress is one of the few plants that you can still harvest in your own garden even in winter. From September onwards, the young spring plants will be large enough for you to start harvesting. This then lasts until May, shortly before the watercress will bloom.
The most important things in brief:
- partially shaded location
- hardy plant
- lots of fresh water
- Window sill cultivation possible
Tips & Tricks
With watercress you have the opportunity to harvest vitamins in your own garden even in winter.
