Parsley seeds
11/10/2024Pea seeds
11/10/2024Watercress seeds
Watercress is a herbaceous plant known for its spicy flavor and high nutritional value. Growing watercress is not complicated and can be carried out in home gardens or even in ponds. Here’s a comprehensive guide to planting watercress seeds:
Soil preparation
Watercress prefers moist soil rich in organic matter. Sandy loam soil is ideal for this plant. To prepare the soil:
Soil cleaning*: removing stones and weeds.
Adding organic fertilizers*: Add compost or organic fertilizers to improve soil fertility and ensure good drainage.
Planting seeds
Seed selection*: Choose fresh, disease-free seeds.
Soaking seeds*: Seeds can be soaked in lukewarm water for 4-6 hours to improve the germination rate.
Planting watercress seeds*:
– Depth: Sow the seeds at a depth of 0.5-1 cm.
– Spacing: Maintain a distance of about 5 cm between each seed, and about 20 cm between rows.
Watercress seeds for watering and care
– * Watering *: Watercress seeds must be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not saturated with water.
Fertility *: Using organic fertilizers during the growth period to enhance the health of the plant.
– * Update *: The soil can be covered with straw or organic materials to maintain moisture and reduce the growth of weeds.
Pest and disease control
Watercress is subject to some pests such as aphids, as well as fungal diseases such as powdered fungi. These problems can be using natural insecticides and fungicides.
Harvesting and storage
– * Harvest *: Watercress is ready for harvesting about 3-4 weeks after planting. The leaves can be harvested when you reach the desired length, usually between 10-15 cm.
– * Storage *: Watercress can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week in perforated plastic bags.
The health benefits of the course
Watercress is rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin K and calcium. It also contains antioxidants that help enhance public health. Taking watercress can help improve digestion and promote heart health.
Watercress uses in cooking
Watercress is a multi -use element in the kitchen. It can be added to salads, sandwiches and juices. It can also be used as a driver of dishes to add a flavor.
A growing watercress cultivation is a rewarding experience that gives you a healthy and delicious crop.
About watercress cultivation
Different types of watercress
There are several types of watercress, and each type has its own advantages. For example:
– Garden arugula: Known for its strong flavor and broad leaves.
– Arugula: It grows best in moist soil and areas near water.
Farming in ponds
If you live in an area with poor soil or don’t have a garden, you can grow arugula in pots. Use deep pots that provide good drainage. Place the pot in a location that receives direct sunlight for 4-6 hours a day.
Fertilization and irrigation
Maintaining a good balance between watering and fertilizing promotes watercress growth. It is preferable to use a fertilizer that contains a balanced percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Water the plants regularly and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Disease control
Watercress may be susceptible to some fungal diseases such as powdery mildew. The incidence of these diseases can be reduced by growing them in a sunny, well-ventilated place and using natural fungicides when needed.
Uses of watercress in cooking
Garden arugula is commonly used in salads and sandwiches to add flavor. It can also be used in quick cooking with other vegetables, or even in green smoothies for a healthy and nutritious drink
Health benefits of watercress
Garden arugula is rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, vitamin K and calcium. It is believed that eating watercress can help improve digestive health and promote bone health thanks to its high calcium content.
Growing watercress is a rewarding experience that gives you a healthy and delicious crop.
Growing watercress in water
Watercress can be grown successfully in water. This method is useful if you do not have space to plant in soil.
– Steps:
– Use a deep bowl filled with water and place some pebbles or clay at the bottom.
– Place the seeds in water and be sure to change the water regularly to keep them clean.
– Make sure to place the pot in a sunny place.
Plant protection
To maintain the health of plants, it is recommended to protect them from strong winds and heavy rain.
– Using covers: Plastic covers or agricultural cloth can be used to protect small plants from harsh weather factors.
Continuous fertilization
Watercress benefits from periodic fertilization to ensure healthy growth
Liquid fertilizer*: It is recommended to use liquid fertilizers every two weeks to enhance watercress growth.
Natural nutrients: boiled fruits and vegetables can be used as a natural fertilization to enhance soil fertility.
Washes control
Herbs can compete with watercress for food and water.
*Manual removal *: remove harmful herbs regularly to ensure healthy growth of the plant.
– *Use coverage materials *: sawdust or straw can be used to cover the soil around the watercress and prevent the growth of weeds.
Stages of growth
– The germination stage *: The first buds appear after about 3-5 days of planting.
– *The vegetative growth stage *: After about two weeks, the leaves begin to grow faster and are ready for harvesting after about 3-4 weeks.
Watercress as a accompanying plant
Watercress is an ideal plant for cultivation with other plants.
– *The accompanying plants *: watercress can be grown with tomatoes or cucumber to enhance growth and reduce pest problems.
Additional benefits for watercress
Besides being a source rich in vitamins and minerals, watercress is believed to have other benefits:
Antibacterial*: Watercress contains compounds that help fight harmful bacteria.
– Enhancing liver health: It is said that watercress helps improve liver functions and rid the body of toxins.