Growing
This hardy, creeping plant thrives when you mimic its natural coastal origins by providing well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Because it spreads low across the ground, it is an excellent choice for groundcover in containers or garden beds, though you should keep an eye on it in certain regions where it can become invasive. You can start your plants indoors as transplants or sow seeds directly into the garden once the soil has warmed and the danger of frost has passed.
To encourage a lush, leafy harvest, regularly pinch off the growing tips of the stems. This practice helps the plant bush out rather than just stretching into long, thin vines. While the tender tips can be eaten raw, many gardeners prefer to cook them to enjoy the full flavor. When you harvest, do so when the leaves are at your preferred size, as the plant does not continue to ripen once picked.
If you have a surplus, you can preserve your harvest by blanching the leaves before freezing them for later use. For shorter-term storage, keep the leaves unwashed in the refrigerator to prevent them from becoming slimy. If you are growing in a very warm climate, remember that this plant is quite resilient and can even survive light frosts.
Plant Witch