Watercress

[undercarriage plan]

I read somewhere that watercress in a pond makes it lovely and clear. So I rooted some from a bag I bought in Tesco (to eat!), and I now have loads of watercress in the pond!!! Do you think this'll be OK to eat? Between lettuce crops at min. It works by the way, water crystal clear. Lottie  ;D

[undercarriage plan]

[dibberxxx]

i have water mint in my pond and its so invasive have loads of the stuff , i have wondered if  u can eat that to

[undercarriage plan]

I will if you will........ ;D Lottie

[Georgie]

Hi Lottie.  I read somewhere, I'm sure, that watercress needs running water to grow successfully.  That said, can't think why you shouldn't eat it unless the pond is contaminated in some way. 

G xx

[dibberxxx]

you go first lottie  ::) ::)

[tim]

Running water? Not necessary. But - obviously, clean?

See my blog.

[Icyberjunkie]

The problem with watercress grown in still water is that it can carry parasites such as liver fluke - these parasites cannot live in running water.     The aspect abuot pollution is simply that w/cress will not tolerate overly polluted water.

Yes it gives a great clear pond because being fast growing it uses up any spare nutrients preventing algal growth so clear water is the result - I used to use it the same way and is recommended for use in koi pond biofilters.  As for eating it.....leave that to the insects in the compost heap.

Iain

[Derekthefox]

Cheers Iain, I was just about to suggest risking it!
My name would definitely be mud if the liver fluke parasite was present eh?

not that I have any water on my site, running or still, just what falls from the sky . . .

Derekthefox (still in sunny Spain)

[dibberxxx]

does anyone watch i think its called water by design , he ate some watercress from an pond more of a natural pond , and the other to lads found out it used to be a cesspit i bet it taste nice .so should i not eat my pond mint neither then

[undercarriage plan]

So...shall I put fork down then? ??? ??? ??? Lottie

[dibberxxx]

looks like you had better lottie ::) ::)might never be yourself again if you eat watercress from pond

[Icyberjunkie]

Just a risk to be aware of - there was the odd occasion I ate mine guessing that as I could see only a very small risk of contamination (no local water-meadows, not much livestock in the area etc) then why not!  

Life is short and full of chances...........

[Icyberjunkie]

oh..........and it won't survive cooking.   If you want to know more look up Fasciola hepatica.  I think thats the correct spelling!

[undercarriage plan]

Blimey Icy!! OK putting fork down and ketchup and vinegar!! Thanks though!! Lottie  ;D

[dibberxxx]

don't even touch it lottie don't go near it  ::) ::) ::)you had better keep bob away perhaps that why he has no legs you have poisoned him  :'( :'( :'(

[undercarriage plan]

Nah!! He's OK has his yellow wellies on....... ;D ;D ;D Lottie

[dibberxxx]

good as bob needs to be fit for work tomorrow with jaggy

[undercarriage plan]

He's doing press up as we speak.... ::) Lottie ;D

[aquilegia]

I was wondering the same. Glad I haven't eaten it!

It's nonsense about running water and w.cress. Mine has been in a still pond for over a year and doing really well. It flowered and seeded earlier in the year and has spread up the banks (I've pulled that out).

I've been trying to grow some to eat (love the stuff) in pots, but either it seems to dry out or the slugs get it. must try harder!

[Icyberjunkie]

I was wondering the same. Glad I haven't eaten it!

It's nonsense about running water and w.cress. Mine has been in a still pond for over a year and doing really well. It flowered and seeded earlier in the year and has spread up the banks (I've pulled that out).

I've been trying to grow some to eat (love the stuff) in pots, but either it seems to dry out or the slugs get it. must try harder!

I agree - it grows very well in still water and I was forever clearing it out.   It will grow on land and requires less water then you might think - the important thing ias to try and keep it cool.  Best of luck in your efforts!