Common Speedwell

Choosing the Right Spot: Common Speedwell is a hardy, low-growing plant that thrives in a variety of conditions. It's often used as ground cover or in rock gardens because it doesn’t need much fuss. You’ll want to pick a spot that gets partial sunlight — somewhere that gets a few hours of sun but also has some shade during the day.

Soil and Tools You'll Need:

• Soil: Speedwell isn’t too picky about soil, but it prefers well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to help with drainage.
• Seeds or Plants: You can start from seeds or small plants if you can find them at your local garden center.
• Basic tools: A trowel, watering can, and gloves should do the trick!

When to Plant: Spring is the best time to plant Common Speedwell. The soil is warming up, and there’s usually enough moisture to help the plant get established. If you’re starting from seed, you can sow them directly into the soil after the last frost.

Tip: If you're unsure about the quality of your soil, adding a bit of compost will give your Speedwell a nice boost without overloading it with nutrients.

If Starting from Seeds:

1. Lightly rake the soil where you want to plant the seeds.
2. Sprinkle the seeds over the surface — don’t bury them too deep; they need light to germinate.
3. Gently press the seeds into the soil with your hand or a flat tool.
4. Water lightly so the soil is moist but not soggy.

If Using Young Plants:

1. Dig a small hole, just deep enough to cover the root ball of the plant.
2. Place the plant in the hole and fill it back with soil, gently pressing down around the base.
3. Space each plant about 6-8 inches apart to give them room to spread.

Watering After Planting: After planting, water the area thoroughly but gently. The goal is to keep the soil moist while the seeds sprout or the young plants settle in.

Tip: If you're planting seeds, you might want to mark the area so you remember where you’ve sown them — they can take a little time to show up!

Sunlight Needs: Speedwell enjoys a mix of sun and shade. Too much direct sunlight might dry out the soil quickly, so if you notice the leaves looking a bit sad, consider providing some shade during the hottest part of the day.

Watering Routine:

• Once established, Speedwell doesn’t need a lot of water. Check the soil every few days; if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.
• Water deeply but infrequently to encourage the roots to grow down into the soil.

Feeding Your Plants: Speedwell doesn’t require heavy feeding. A light application of a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season is plenty. Over-fertilizing can actually harm this plant, as it prefers poorer soils.

Weeding and Pruning:

• Keep an eye out for weeds, especially when the plant is still young. Weeds can compete for nutrients and water.
• You can trim back any leggy or overgrown stems to keep the plant looking neat and encourage bushier growth.

Tip: If you notice flowers starting to fade, you can deadhead (remove the spent flowers) to encourage more blooms and keep the plant looking fresh.

When to Harvest: Common Speedwell is mostly grown for its ornamental value, but if you’re interested in using the leaves for herbal teas or remedies, the best time to harvest is just before the flowers fully bloom. This is when the plant’s beneficial compounds are most concentrated.

How to Harvest:

• Use clean scissors or your fingers to snip off the top few inches of the plant, including the flowers and leaves.
• Make sure to leave enough foliage on the plant so it can continue to grow and thrive.

Storage:

• If you’re using the leaves fresh, wash them gently and let them dry before use.
• For dried use, hang small bundles upside down in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Once dry, store them in an airtight container.

Tip: You can also dry the leaves in a dehydrator on a low setting if you want to speed up the process.

Q: Why are my Speedwell leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves could mean you’re overwatering. Speedwell likes soil that’s moist but not waterlogged. Cut back on watering and make sure the soil drains properly.

Q: Can I grow Speedwell in containers?

A: Absolutely! Speedwell does well in pots or containers, especially if you have limited space. Just make sure the container has good drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix.

Q: My Speedwell isn’t flowering. What’s wrong?

A: It could be due to too much shade. While Speedwell tolerates partial shade, it still needs some sunlight to produce flowers. Try moving it to a brighter spot.

Q: Is Speedwell safe for pets?

A: Yes, Common Speedwell is non-toxic to pets. However, it’s always a good idea to monitor your furry friends and make sure they’re not munching on too much of any plant.

Q: Does Speedwell attract any pests?

A: Not really! One of the great things about Speedwell is that it’s pretty pest-resistant. Occasionally, you might see aphids, but they’re easy to wash off with a spray of water.