Jute mallow and amaranth are among the quickest vegetables to turn into cash. Leaves can be cut a few weeks after sowing and the plants regrow for further cuttings.
Sowing and feeding
Sow in fine, well-watered beds and thin so the plants have room. Leafy crops respond to nitrogen, so split the feeding: a small amount at sowing and a top-up after the first cutting. Keep the soil evenly moist; stress makes leaves tough and bitter.
Cutting for regrowth
Cut above the lowest leaves or side shoots so the plant can push new growth. Cutting little and often gives more total leaf than one heavy cut, and keeps the crop tender.
Keeping leaves fresh
Leaves lose quality within hours in the sun. Harvest in the early morning, keep bundles in shade, and cover them with a damp cloth on the way to market. Remove yellow or damaged leaves before bundling so the rest keep longer.
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