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What am i doing wrong with Cress

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  • #1

    What am i doing wrong with Cress

    Hi Grapes

    What am i doing wrong with my cress

    This is my first year at GYO and i have had a go at most things ( although i have tried brassicas i don't have enough space) with quite good results
    BUT i cannot seem to grow what is supposed to be one of the easiest things CRESS

    It either doesn't germinate, it wilts, or it only grows about 1/2 inch and then dies

    We love cress and go through about 5 cartons a week

    I have been collecting the cartons so these are what i have been using

    I have tried it in the GH and on the windowcill with damp kitchen roll and with MPC like in the cartons
    But nothing seems to work
    So far i have gone through about 20,000 seeds but only two cartons have been any good or worth even eating

    I was wondering if there is something i am not doing or am missing
    Its totally got me baffled
    Cheers .... John

    Web link to our Allotment website http://lawsonsallotment.btck.co.uk/

    PS my plot is 9 shown on the Plot Holders Pictures
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  • #2
    I can only think that the clue in your post is "it wilts" and that you are not watering it enough. The kitchen roll must be kept damp all the time, so frequent watering is essential; it dries out very quickly on a windowsill.
    Mark

    Vegetable Kingdom blog

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    • #3
      As said it needs rather a surprising amount of water. Do the cress cartons have perforations in the bottom? If so, stand them in a tray of water for 5 - 10 mins every day (or even morning and evening) then tip the excess water. If they don't have perforations, make some holes and do the same.
      Last edited by shirlthegirl43; 06-08-2009, 10:44 AM.
      Happy Gardening,
      Shirley

      Comment

      • #4
        Water them every day on the W/Cil and GH but still the same
        I have a routine when watering and it is done every morning and or evening depending if i am on Nights or Days or off at work

        anyway i have got another 20 cartons on the go so its the final chance
        Then its back to the grocers

        Just had a thought !!! can it be toooo hot for it ?
        Cheers .... John

        Web link to our Allotment website http://lawsonsallotment.btck.co.uk/

        PS my plot is 9 shown on the Plot Holders Pictures

        Comment

        • #5
          Originally posted by shirlthegirl43 View Post
          As said it needs rather a surprising amount of water. Do the cress cartons have perforations in the bottom? If so, stand them in a tray of water for 5 - 10 mins every day (or even morning and evening) then tip the excess water. If they don't have perforations, make some holes and do the same.
          Cheers Shirl

          Never thought of that

          Yes they all have holes in them
          so i will try the soaking tecnique this time
          Cheers .... John

          Web link to our Allotment website http://lawsonsallotment.btck.co.uk/

          PS my plot is 9 shown on the Plot Holders Pictures

          Comment

          • #6
            It is a possibility. Putting it out of direct sun might help - you want cress to grow good and tall anyhoo.
            Happy Gardening,
            Shirley

            Comment

            • #7
              Originally posted by johninblackpool View Post
              Cheers Shirl

              Never thought of that

              Yes they all have holes in them
              so i will try the soaking tecnique this time
              I grow cress in trays without holes; they will dry out very quickly otherwise.

              Do you check the kitchen paper dampness before watering?
              Mark

              Vegetable Kingdom blog

              Comment

              • #8
                here's a professional opinion: How to grow salad cress
                All gardeners know better than other gardeners." -- Chinese Proverb.

                Comment

                • #9
                  also try using cotton wool instead of kitchen roll, will hold a lot more water.....

                  Comment

                  • #10
                    Cheers Everyone for your help hopefully i will get better results this time
                    Cheers .... John

                    Web link to our Allotment website http://lawsonsallotment.btck.co.uk/

                    PS my plot is 9 shown on the Plot Holders Pictures

                    Comment

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