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Watercress, rich in
vitamins and peppery-flavoured, is a favourite
garnish but unfortunately requires more water
than the ordinary gardener can provide. Land cress
(American cress) is a practical and quick-growing
alternative for the home plot – all you
need to provide is a shady spot and a thorough
watering when the weather turns dry.
Incorporate a plentiful supply of compost or well-rotted
manure into the soil when digging. Sow the seeds
½ in (1cm) deep in drills 1ft (30cm) apart
– a March sowing will provide a summer crop
and putting out seeds in September will provide
leaves for winter. This the seedlings to 8in (20cm)
spacings when they are large enough to handle
and the first pickings can start about 8 weeks
after sowing. Pick the outer leaves from young
plants and the heart leaves from old ones. Remove
flower stalks as they appear and cover with cloches
in autumn.
Land cress is a wholly satisfactory substitute
for watercress. Use it for garnishing and as a
salad or sandwich ingredient. It can also be cooked
like spinach or be turned into an excellent soup.
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