How to Grow Cress: A Quick and Easy Guide for Beginners

How to Grow Cress: A Beginner’s Guide

What is Cress?

Cress (Lepidium sativum) is a fast-growing vegetable that’s easy to grow indoors year-round. Its peppery flavor makes it a tasty addition to salads and sandwiches.

Benefits of Growing Cress

• Quick and easy to grow, even for beginners
• Can be grown in small spaces
• Ready to harvest in just a week or two
• A good source of vitamins and minerals

How to Grow Cress Indoors

Materials:

• Wide, shallow container without holes
• Growing medium (paper towels, cotton wool, peat-free compost)
• Cress seeds
• Cling film or polythene bag

Instructions:

1. Fill the container with about 1 cm of growing medium.
2. Moisten the growing medium thoroughly.
3. Sow the cress seeds densely but not touching.
4. Cover the container with cling film or a polythene bag.
5. Place the container in a well-lit spot.
6. Water as needed to keep the growing medium moist.
7. Harvest the cress when the seedlings have two fully open green leaves.

How to Grow Cress Outdoors

Materials:

• Well-prepared, weed-free soil
• Cress seeds

Instructions:

1. Make a wide drill about 10 cm wide and 1-2 cm deep.
2. Water the soil before sowing and allow to drain.
3. Scatter the seeds thinly, spacing them 1-2 cm apart.
4. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil.
5. Keep watered during dry weather.

Tips

• For a continuous harvest, sow new seeds every few days.
• Cress can also be grown on a windowsill or in a greenhouse.
• Add cress to your salads, sandwiches, or smoothies for a boost of flavor and nutrients.