Garden CressLepidium sativum

Garden cress thrives in consistently moist soil. Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to prevent the leaves from wilting and becoming tough.

Aim for the soil surface to feel damp to the touch, but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Reduce watering slightly in cooler weather.

Pruning garden cress is primarily harvesting. Snip off leaves as needed from the outer edges of the plant to encourage continuous growth.

For a tidier appearance or to manage bolting, you can trim back the entire plant if it becomes leggy. This also prevents it from going to seed prematurely.

Garden cress is easily propagated by seed. Sow seeds directly into the soil, either indoors in trays or outdoors in a prepared bed, once the danger of frost has passed. Seeds germinate quickly and require minimal fuss.

You can succession plant every few weeks for a continuous harvest.

Repotting is generally not applicable to garden cress as it is a fast-growing annual typically harvested before it outgrows its container or planting space.

If growing in pots, sow seeds directly into the final container and harvest the plants. They are usually consumed within a few weeks of sowing.