Sow cress seeds

A March sowing will give a summer crop and a September sowing will provide a winter crop.

Choose a shady spot and add compost or well rotted manure into the soil when digging. Sow thinly in drills 1cm (1/2in) deep spaced 30 cm (12in) apart.

Thin out to 10cm (4 in) apart and keep weed free. Break off any flower stems. Keep well watered.

Cut the cress regularly while it is still yound and this will encourage more growth. Pick the outer leaves from young plants and the heart leaves from older plants.

If covered with a cloche can provide cuttings through winter.