American Land Cress

American Landcress is an easy plant to grow.  It is happy in pots or containers, it will grow in shady damp places.  Picking the succulent peppery leaves encourages more growth.  You can harvest all year round with 3 or 4 sowings – the plants are frost tolerant and will survive the winter with a bit of protection.  You can use this as a substitute for the tangy taste of watercress.  Perfect in salads and sandwiches.  This heirloom has been grown in English gardens since the 1600s.

SOW: at any time of the year: outdoors from March to August, at all other times it will need protection.  You can sow directly into the soil at no more than 1cm deep.  Alternatively sow in pots or seed trays, lightly cover with compost & keep at about 15°C until germinated (about 14 days).  

GROW:  space plants about 15cm apart, they will tolerate a shady spot.   You do need to keep them regularly watered in dry weather although they do not need huge amounts.

ENJOY: the peppery tasting leaves are perfect in sandwiches and salads.  Plants will give you a supply over a long period.