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Letter Re: Amaranth--A Weed You Can Eat
Sir,
I have been organic gardening for 50 years. At one time I had the largest
organic produce gardens in northern Ohio. I'm good at it.
Some years ago, some people staying with me asked if they could plant a little
Amaranth in one of my gardens. They related how Amaranth may be the most consumed
food in human history. It is super productive, and very nutritious. I allowed
them to plant some. That was a big mistake.
If you are not really careful to harvest every seed, it will spread like wildfire.
Within a year or two, it will be all over your property. If you want weed-free
gardens, this is not the plant to encourage. It grows tall and thick,
and can and will choke out all your other vegetables. It took me a huge amount
of work
to get rid of it.
Amaranth is good food, but be careful what you ask for. If you must have it,
plant it a long, long way from your other gardens. Harvest every bit. And don't
let
the birds spread it. - Jim in Ohio
