How to Cut Leafy Green Plants Without Killing Them – A Guide to Cut-and-Come-Again Veggies
Nothing can compare to the satisfaction of growing your own fresh produce. Unfortunately, one of the most common mistakes that gardeners make is cutting their leafy green plants too aggressively. This can damage the growth of the plant and ultimately lead to its demise. Even after learning this, I still over-trimmed several greens, and one of my houseplants. She might never make a full recovery, read on so you don’t make the same mistake I did!
So What Is Cut-And-Come-Again?
Cut-and-come-again vegetables are plants that can be harvested multiple times throughout their growing season. These leafy greens regenerate new leaves once they’ve been cut, which allows us to enjoy multiple harvests without having to replant. Leafy greens are well-known for being capable of growing again and again.
The Right Tools for the Job
When it comes to harvesting your leafy greens, having the right tools is essential. A sharp pair of scissors or pruners will make clean cuts through the stems, reducing the risk of damage to the plant. Avoid using your hands to pull or tear the leaves, since you may run the risk of damaging your plant. A rule of green thumb: Always cut, never pull!
How to Harvest Your Leafy Greens
When harvesting, start by working around the outer leaves of the plant, taking only a few from each plant at a time. This will allow the inner leaves to continue growing and will prevent over-clipping. As you work your way towards the center of the plant, take care to avoid cutting too close to the stem. Leave a few leaves on each plant to ensure its continued growth and health, this will ensure that you will have new growth for next time!
Further Information
Once you’ve harvested your leafy greens, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Cut-and-come-again greens are perfect for fresh salads, sandwiches, wraps, soups, and so much more! Check out our Burrata Salad recipe for a tasty idea!
Let us know in the comments if you’ve tried this method, or if you use a different method for harvesting leafy greens!
