Watercress

Growing

Thriving in conditions that would drown most other garden crops, watercress is a unique perennial that requires constant moisture to flourish. If you are growing it in a container or a garden bed, aim for soil that remains saturated, as this plant is naturally adapted to fast-flowing, aquatic environments. While it can tolerate a wide range of light, it performs exceptionally well in partial shade, which helps prevent the leaves from becoming overly bitter.

When you are ready to harvest, simply pick the leaves when they have reached your desired size for eating. Because the plant does not continue to ripen once harvested, you should collect it exactly when it is ready for your kitchen. You can propagate your patch by dividing existing clumps, which is a highly effective way to expand your supply.

To keep your harvest fresh, store the leaves unwashed in the refrigerator. If you have an abundance, you can blanch the greens before placing them in the freezer for later use. Since this plant is a member of the Brassicaceae family, it brings a characteristic piquant, peppery flavor to salads and dishes, making it a rewarding addition to any cool-season garden.