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Potatoes

11/24/2012

 
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Potatoes
If you want to grow potatoes, one of the easiest ways to do it is in a container. Two pounds of seed potatoes can yield 50 pounds of harvest. It's also a great way to grow a lot of potatoes in a very limited space. Container growing works best with Yellow Finn, Indian Pit, Red Pontiac, or the fingerling types. I have grown Yukon Gold successfully as well. Choose either a 50-gallon trash barrel or an old half barrel (like a wine or whiskey barrel). Just make sure your barrel is at least 2 to 3-feet tall with drainage holes in both the bottom and the side of the container. Clean your container using a mixture of 12 cups water, 1/4 cup lemon juice and 1 cup hydrogen peroxide.

Growing Potatoes in Barrels
Fill the bottom of the barrel with about 6 inches of loose planting soil and compost. Soil needs to be loose and moist so using a planting soil with peat moss or other soil amendment like coconut husks will keep the soil from becoming too compacted. Between mid-May and mid-June add seed potatoes to the layer of soil. You can either plant the potatoes whole or cut them up into pieces. (Each piece should have a couple of eyes.) Leave about 12-inches of space between each potato. Cover the potatoes with another 6 inches of your soil and compost mix. Do not compact the soil. Water just enough to dampen the dampen. The soil must be kept damp at all times but do not overwater. When plants have about 6 to 8 inches of foliage, add another layer of your soil/compost mix. Cover about one-half to three-quarters of the visible stems and foliage. Repeat this process of plants sprouting, covering the sprouts and moistening the soil until the plants grow to the top of the barrel.

Harvesting Potatoes
Harvest potatoes a week or two after plants flower or when plants start to yellow. This will be about 10 weeks after planting. Carefully dig down with your hands to inspect the top-most layer, potatoes should be well shaped and firm. Discard any green potatoes. Waiting to harvest until tops have died down is good if storing potatoes. Just make sure you harvest them all before they freeze. 

Potato Pests and Diseases
  • Aphids may present if potato foliage curls, puckers and turns yellow. They can be found on the underside of of young leaves. Spray vigorously with water to remove aphids.
  • Cutworms may be a problem if seedlings or transplants are severed below the soil. Make a trap around each plant by sprinkling cornmeal or bran meal.
  • Early Blight causes irregular dark spots on older leaves. As the spots grow they begin to look like a target. To combat blight apply a copper based fungicide every 7-10 days until it's time to harvest.
  • Ring Rot causes leaflets, stems and stalks to wilt and turn yellow and die. A yellow mass can be squeezed out of a cut tuber. Ring Rot cannot be cured, so plants need to be destroyed.
Cooking Potatoes
  • Potatoes are very versatile. For a variety of recipes click here.


Nutrients in Potatoes
  • Vitamin c and B6
  • Potassium
  • Manganese
  • Fiber

Composting

7/26/2012

 
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Compost Bin
If you have a backyard garden of any size it makes a lot of sense to compost. Composting is really simple, you just need to follow few basic steps and you will end up with beautiful nutrient rich organic material to add to your garden soil. You can purchase a composting bin at garden centers and recycling centers fairly inexpensively. You can compost without using a bin but having one makes it more convenient.

Composting Directions:
  1. A compost bin usually has a removable top, vents and a small sliding door on the bottom half so you can remove composted material that sits on the bottom.
  2. Place your compost bin in a convenient location near a door. You will need to place compostable waste in it a few times per week.
  3. Place a small pail or container with a top in the kitchen near your waste bin. Line it with newspaper or a paper towel to keep it clean. The paper products can be composted along with your kitchen scraps.
  4. Chop up larger items like corn cobs, watermelon rinds and any other large scraps. The smaller the pieces, the faster they compost.
  5. After you empty your kitchen scraps into your compost pile make sure you stir it well. Mixing the new with the old. This adds oxygen to the mix which helps it break down.
  6. Add a handful of leaves, pine needles, or other dried yard waste to the pile. This will add carbon and will help reduce the chance of adverse odors and fruit flies. Place the top back on.
  7. Composting can take up to 6 months. This means every every spring and fall you will have wonderful compost to add to your lawn, flower or vegetable garden with very little work on your part.
  8. Composting material should be kept damp. Like a sponge that has been wrung out.

What to Compost
  1. Kitchen Greens: fruit scraps, vegetable scraps, corre grounds, rice, pasta, egg shells, tea bags
  2. Yard Greens: flowers, vegetables, plant trimmings, seaweed, hedge clippings and small amount of grass
  3. Kitchen Browns: coffe filters, paper towels, brown paper bags, shredded paper, napkins, dryer lint, hair, stale bread
  4. Yard Browns: dried leaves, small twigs, chips, hay, dried weeds


What Not to Compost
  • Meat, fish, bones, poultry
  • Dairy products
  • Oils, fats, sauces
  • Ashes
  • Pet waste
  • Diseased plants
  • Mature weeds or flowers with seeds

Brussels Sprouts

5/21/2012

 
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Brussels Sprouts
Brussels Sprouts are related to cabbage that wonderful cruciferous family of healthy vegetables. It grows in almost all climates, as long as, summers don't  get too hot or dry. Brussels Sprouts grow on an 18-inch to 36-inch long stem with large leaves at the top of the stem.

Growing Brussels Sprouts
In spring plant seeds in ground 4-6 in April. You can also grow seeds indoors in flats and transplant in June. In mild climates, plant seeds about 4 months before first expected frost for a fall/ winter crop. Seeds should be planted 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch deep in rows with 14-inches to 24 -inches of spacing. Use compost or a slow-acting fertilizer when planting seeds. Brussels Sprouts grow to 3 feet tall with a spread of 2 feet. They require 1-inch water per week. Brussels Sprouts can not be grown in greenhouses.

Harvesting Brussels Sprouts
Harvest Brussels Sprouts from the bottom first when the large leaves begin to turn yellow. Sprouts should be bright green, firm and about the size of a golf ball. After picking your sprouts mound dirt around the bottom of the stem up to keep the plant from tipping over.

Brussels Sprouts Pests 
  • Aphids are present when sprouts curl, pucker and turn yellow. Plants might become stunted in growth. Spray vigorously with water to remove aphids.
  • Cabbage maggots are present when seedling become yellow and growth is stunted. Brown tunnels are in the stems just below the soil line. Apply wood ashes and water, let sit overnight around the rootball.
  • Whitefly is present if the plant is covered in a white powdery substance. Spray vigorously and rub between fingers to remove whitefly.
Cooking Brussels Sprouts
  • Brussels Sprouts with Lemon and Garlic
  • Brussels Sprouts with Parmesan
  • Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

Nutrients in Brussels Sprouts
  • Vitamins A, B6, C, K
  • Thiamin
  • Riboflavin
  • Iron
  • Magnesium
  • Phosphorous
  • Copper
  • Folate
  • Potassium
  • Manganese

Radishes

5/6/2012

 
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Radishes
Radishes are fast growing vegetable. The fastest growing varieties take 3 weeks until harvest. Slower growing varieties can take up to 2 months. Radishes like continual moisture, so plant them as soon as the soil can be worked, about 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost.

Growing Radishes
Soil temperature should be between 40 and 85 degrees to germinate the seeds. Plant seeds in 1/2-inch deep in rows 12-inches apart in full sun. When tops are up thin to 1-inch apart. Radishes need about 1-inch water per week. They are light feeders so blending rotted manure into soil before planting radish seed should be enough. For continuous harvest plant rows every week. For fall plantings, plant seeds 7 weeks before first expected frost. Radishes that can be grown in greenhouses are: French Breakfast and Sparkler. Container varieties are: Cherry Belle, French Breakfast, and Sparkler. Fast growing varieties are: Cherry Belle, Crimson Giant and Scarlett white Tipped. A sower growing variety is Icicle, a long white radish. Radishes good for fall planting are Long Black Spanish and White Chinese.

Harvesting Radishes
Harvest radishes once they reach usable size. Red varieties should be firm, smooth, and round with a nice red color. Black varieties should be firm, smooth, round and black in color. White radishes should be firm, slender and white in color. Harvest lasts 2-3 weeks.

Radish Pests 
  • Aphids are present if plant foliage curls, and turns yellow. Spray leaves vigorously with water and rub aphids with fingers.
  • Cutworms are present if plant stems are completely severed below the surface.
  • Cabbage Loper is present if the leaves have ragged holes. Look for 1-1/2 inch long light green caterpillar with yellow stripes.

Eating Radishes
Radishes are wonderful addition to any vegetable platter.
Add them to any salad or try my Radish, Cucumber and Corn Salad.

Nutrients in Radishes
  • Vitamins B6 and C
  • Folate
  • Calcium
  • Magnesium
  • Copper
  • Manganese
  • Potassium
  • Riboflavin

Lettuce and Salad Greens

4/12/2012

 
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Lettuce
There are over 50 varieties of plants used in salads. What's available in most grocery stores is just a couple of choices, so growing your own salad greens is a great idea. You can grow the varieties you see in the store like Romaine, Red Leaf, Green Leaf, Butter, Arugula, Garden cress, Endive, Mustard Greens and Kale. If you are a little adventurous you can purchase a packet of mixed salad greens and surprise yourself and your family with all the new flavors you probably wouldn't purchase at the store.

Growing Lettuce and Salad Greens
There are 4 basic types of lettuce. Crisp (which is the most difficult to grow), Butter lettuce (loose heads with green outer leaves and yellow inner leaves), Loose leaf (form rosettes rather than heads) and Romaine (grows erect with green outer leaves and white inner leaves). Lettuce grows well in loose well drained fertile soil. Plant in partial shade if growing in hot summer weather. Plant lettuce in rows 8-12 inches apart in open ground just after last frost. Cover seeds lightly with soil. Water regularly but feed lightly. Lettuce can be started indoors and transplanted outside when grown in short summer climates. Lettuce can also be grown in containers 8 inches wide and 6-8 inches deep. 

Harvesting Lettuce and Salad Greens
Harvest loose leaf lettuce as needed. Head lettuce should be harvested when the heads have formed and are firm when squeezed. Pick whole heads of both head and leaf lettuce before the seed stalks breakthrough. 

Pests in Lettuce and Salad Greens
  • Aphids are present when foliage curls, puckers and turns yellow. Vigorously spray infected leaves with water.
  • Sails and slugs are present when leaves have large ragged holes. The best method for ridding snails and slugs is to pick them out of your garden each morning.

Cooking with Lettuce and Salad Greens

For great salad recipes like Asian Style Salad, Caesar Salad, Butter Lettuce Salads, Cobb Salad, Chef Salad, Arugula Salad, Garden Salads and Watercress Salad click here.

Nutrients in Lettuce and Salad Greens
Riboflavin
Vitamin A, B6, C, K
Calcium
Magnesium
Phosphorus
Copper
Thiamin
Folate
Iron
Potassium
Manganese

Beets

3/19/2012

 
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Chioggia Beets
Assyrian text mention beets as far back as 800 BC. Beets are grown as annuals. They are typically purple but can be white and yellow as well. Common beet varieties are Detroit Dark, Early Wonder, Lutz Green Leaf, Chioggia, Burpee Golden, Ruby Queen and White Albino. Common ways to eat beets are boiled, roasted and grilled.  

Growing Beets
For a continuous supply of beets, plant seeds after last frost in short rows at monthly intervals until mid-summer. Plant beet seeds 1/2 to 1-inch deep in full sun. Seeds take 7-10 days to germinate and 50-80 days to mature. For tender roots, water frequently in dry weather. Beets like temperatures of 50-75 degrees. 

Harvesting Beets
Beets should be smooth, round and firm. Harvest when beets are between 1-inch and 3-inches wide. The larger beets are sweeter but also tougher. Beets can be picked for 4-6 weeks before they become too woody.

Beet Pests
  • Carrot weevils are present if chewed holes appear on leaves. Cover beets with agricultural fleece to prevent weevils from infesting crop.
  • Mites are present if leaves become yellow, stippled and dry. Forcefully spray leaves with water to knock the mites off the leaves.
  • Whitefly is present if leaves weaken, turn yellow and fall off. There will also be a honeydew secreted by the whiteflies. This causes fungus. Spray plants forcefully with water and rub the leaves with fingers to remove whiteflies.

Cooking with Beets
Roasted or grilled beets are a wonderful to addition to salads.
http://www.fresheasymeals.com/grilled-fresh-beets.html

Nutrients in Beets
  • Vitamin C
  • Fiber
  • Iron
  • Magnesium
  • Folate
  • Potassium
  • Manganese 

Cucumbers

3/12/2012

 
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Cucumber
Cucumbers are a fast growing vegetable that love warm temperatures. They need both warm soil and warm air to sprout seeds and for pollination. Most vines will spread over 6 feet, so make sure you give them room to grow. You can grow them on fencing or trellises if space is at a premium. You can also plant compact varieties, such as, Tiny Dill or Patio Pik in large containers or tubs 8 inches wide by 12 inches deep.

Growing Cucumbers
Plant seeds in rows 1 week before last expected frost about 1 inch deep and 12 inches apart. Cucumber roots are sensitive so if you plan on transplanting the seedlings be sure to do it before the become root bound. Keep the soil moist and make sure you water them from below. If you sprinkle water on the vines they will mildew. Cucumbers require a compost or slow acting all purpose fertilizer in the spring and again very lightly once a month through the growing season. English cucumbers need to be grown in greenhouses, they should not be pollinated by bees or they will lose both form and flavor.

Harvesting Cucumbers
Pick cucumbers when they are dark green, firm and of moderate size. If cucumber are yellow and tough they are overripe.  Picking cucumber off the vine will increase production amounts. The harvest usually lasts 4-6 weeks long. Store cucumbers in a cool moist environment. They will keep refrigerated for 5 days. Pickling cucumbers is the best way to store them long term.

Cucumber Pests
  • Aphids are the problem if cucumber leaves curl, pucker or turn yellow. Vigorously spray the leaves in the morning to rid the leaves of aphids. 
  • Cucumber beetles only cause minor problems themselves but they can spread disease that can devastate plants. 
  • Slugs eat big holes in the leaves. To prevent slugs either pick them out or provide a barrier around the garden made out of sand, cloth or ashes.

Eating Cucumbers
  • Eat cucumbers raw alone or with a dip such as plain yogurt or hummus.
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/cucumber-sandwiches.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/cucumber-and-tomato-salad.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/fresh-arugula-salad.html

Nutrients in Cucumbers
Cucumbers are very low in calories, fat, sodium and carbohydrates. You will find these nutrients in each 1/2 cup serving of sliced raw cucumber:
  • Vitamins A, C, K
  • Folate
  • Calcium
  • Magnesium
  • Phosphorus
  • Potassium
  • Manganese

Tomatoes

3/3/2012

 
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Tomatoes
Tomatoes are easily one of the most popular garden plants. They provide a big reward for just a little work in the garden. There are early, midseason and late season varieties of tomatoes, so make sure you buy the type of tomatoes that will grow in your climate. There are numerous varieties of tomatoes. You can choose to grow tomatoes that are red, yellow, orange or pink in color. Tomatoes also come in many different sizes. You may wish to grow a  few different types of tomatoes for different uses.

Growing Tomatoes
Tomatoes cannot withstand frost, so plant seeds indoors and transfer transplants 2-4 weeks after last frost. Plant determinate, or bushy tomato plants 3-4 feet apart and indeterminate, or vine-like tomato plants 5-15 feet apart. Plant seeds 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch in depth. Plant transfers in a large hole with the bottom leaves even with the soil. Tomatoes like a sunny location with a minimum 8 hours of sun per day. Stake or trellis vine-like tomatoes to keep the fruit off of the ground. If tomatoes are allowed to sit on the soil they may cause rot and discoloration. Tomatoes require 1-inch of water per week. There are tomato varieties that can be grown in containers, as well as, greenhouses. For dwarf varieties use pots 6-inches deep and for standard varieties use containers 24-inches deep. If your tomatoes do not ripen it may be due to cool temperatures. For good production feed tomatoes with compost or a slow-acting fertilizer in spring. Lightly feed tomatoes through the growing season.
Harvesting Tomatoes
Pick tomatoes when the fruit is firm to the touch and the color is deep. Tomatoes will ripen after being picked, but for best results pick the fruit when ripe. To extend the growing season make sure you keep ripened fruit picked.

Tomato Varieties
  • Small fruited tomatoes are usually the size of a large marble or up to about 1-inch in diameter. A few varieties of these are: "Red Cherry", "Yellow Cherry", "Red Pear",  "Yellow Pear", "Sweet 100" and "Tiny Tim".
  • A few large fruited tomato varieties are: "Early Girl", "Springset","Beef Stake", "Beef Master", "Big Boy", "Big Girl" and "Ponderosa".
  • Good varieties for canning or using in tomato sauces or pastes are: "Roma" and "San Marzano".
Tomato Pests
  • Aphids may be present if the foliage curl, pucker and turn yellow. Look for ants because they are attracted to the sticky secretions of aphids. Vigorously wash the plant leaves, including the underside with water in the morning to remove aphid infestations.
  • Tomato Hornworms bore holes in the leaves, as well as, the fruit. These are large green caterpillars with white stripes and a horn at the rear. Handpicking them off the plants is the best recommendation to get rid of them.
  • Slugs cause large ragged holes in leaves. Look for their slime on leaves. Pick slugs off of plants by hand or put a barrier around the plant like ash or sand. 
  • Blight shows up as greenish black spots on older leaves. The fruit will have a large dark spot that is firm to the touch. A copper based fungicide should help get rid of blight.
  • Bacterial Wilt causes plants to wilt and rapidly die. The plants won't show any signs of yellowing or spotting. Frusarium Wilt will cause plants to yellow spreading from the base of the plant up. You need to remove the infected plants and destroy them because both types of wilt cannot be cured. Keeping areas around plants clean helps prevent wilt.
Cooking with Tomatoes

Tomatoes are wonderful to cook with because they can be used in so many different ways. 
Here are a few recipes to use for your garden fresh tomatoes.

Fresh Tomato Recipes:
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/egg-and-tomato-casserole.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/tomato-mozzarella-salad.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/cucumber-and-tomato-salad.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/tuna-melt-with-tomato.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/tuna-with-tomatoes-and-herbs.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/fresh-easy-couscous.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/roasted-vegetable-couscous.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/tomatoes-with-pesto.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/salsa.html
Canned Tomato Recipes:
A wonderful way to keep tomatoes to use year round is to can them. Here are some recipes with canned tomatoes.
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/tomato-sauce.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/enchilada-sauce.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/rotini-with-crab-sauce.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/rigatoni-with-tomatoes-and-olives.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/chicken-cacciatore.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/chicken-enchiladas.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/tomato-and-roasted-red-pepper-soup.html
Nutrients in Tomatoes
  • Excellent source of vitamin A, B1, B2, B6, C, E and K
  • potassium
  • manganese
  • fiber
  • chromium
  • folate
  • copper
  • niacin
  • magnesium
  • iron
  • phosphorus

Leeks

2/27/2012

 
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Leeks
Leeks are relatives of the onion family. Their botanical name is Allium porrum. They are annual vegetables with white edible bottoms and thick dark green tops that resemble large green onions. Leeks grow 2-3 feet in height. They differ from most onions because they do not form a distinct bulb. Leeks are very mild in flavor which makes them a favorite of many cooks.

History of Leeks
Leeks have been revered for thousands of years they are thought to be native to Central Asia but have been cultivated in Europe for thousands of years. Both Greeks and Romans used leeks to strengthen their voice. Supposedly both Greek philosopher Aristotle and Roman Emperor Nero ate leeks every day for this purpose. It is thought that the Romans brought leeks to Great Britain where the cool weather allowed them to thrive. The Welsh placed leeks in their hats to be able to recognize each other during battles with the Saxons.

Growing Leeks

Leeks prefer a mild climate. The require very rich soil to grow. Never let the soil get completely dry. Sow seeds directly into the ground in early spring or in mild climates sow seeds in August-September. Leeks are slow growing and can take up to seven months to mature from seeds. As leeks grow mound the soil up around the stalks to keep the bottoms white but try not to get the soil into the base of the leaves. In cold wintery climates leeks should be harvested in late autumn when stems are 1/2 inch to 2 inches in diameter. In milder climates leeks harvest as needed from late fall to early spring by carefully lifting them out with a garden fork.

Cooking with Leeks
Leeks have a delicate, sweeter and more sophisticated flavor than garlic, onion, and shallots. They blend wonderfully with many foods. Here are some amazing recipes showcasing this very versatile vegetable.
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/egg-and-tomato-casserole.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/potato-leek-soup.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/roasted-cauliflower-soup.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/pork-with-leek-sauce.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/leek-and-pecan-couscous.html

Leek Nutrition
  • Vitamins A, B6, C, and K.
  • Iron
  • Folate
  • Manganese
  • Leeks are naturally high in sodium so try not to add salt or salty foods when cooking them.

Spinach

2/21/2012

 
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Spinach
Spinach is a fantastic vegetable to grow in your garden. It is such a versatile vegetable, you can use it raw or cooked with equal success in the kitchen. It is also extremely healthy. The fact that spinach is a very hardy vegetable that can be grown in all climates makes it pretty easy to grow. Spinach prefers cool weather, so it is considered a fall crop but you can plant it in the spring 3 weeks before the last frost. For fall crops begin sowing seeds in August and continue through September. This allows spinach to mature in fall, winter, and spring. Be careful though because the long daylight and heat can make it seed faster than you want.

Growing Spinach
Spinach only needs about 5 hours of sun per day. It can tolerate frost, but needs a rich soil that drains well. Plant spinach every 2 weeks for a continuous crop. In spring keep planting until temperatures raise above 65 degrees, then wait until August to plant for fall harvesting. Space plants in rows 4-6 inches apart. Space rows 18 inches apart. Spinach only needs 1/2-inch to 1-inch of water per week. Apply a good compost when planting and give light feedings once a month. Spinach does not grow well in greenhouses because it needs a cool moist climate. Spinach can be grown in containers 4-6 inches deep.Harvesting Spinach

Seeds take about 40-60 days to mature. You can harvest spinach when it is full grown by cutting the whole clump at soil level or you can cut off leaves as needed. To get the most nutrients from spinach harvest it in the morning.

Spinach Pests 
  • Aphids are present if the foliage curls, puckers, turns yellow and foliage becomes stunted. They will be found in clusters on the bottom of the leaves. Spray leaves vigorously with water to remove aphids.
  • Leaf Hoppers are present if leaves and buds have piercings. Use insecticidal soap to remove these pests.
  • Downy Mildew is present if yellow leaf spots have fuzzy purple growth on the underside of foliage. Plants will die quickly and need to be removed immediately.
Cooking with Spinach
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/wild-rice-spinach-and-mushroom-soup.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/spinach-salad.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/spinach-pear-and-gorgonzola-salad.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/spinach-lasagna.html
  • http://www.fresheasymeals.com/spinach-supreme.html
Nutrients in Spinach
  • vitamins A,B 6,  C, E, K
  • iron
  • calcium
  • niacin
  • zinc
  • fiber
  • protein
  • thiamin
  • riboflavin
  • folate
  • magnesium
  • phosphorus
  • potassium
  • copper
  • maganese
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    Becky

    I am combining my Backyard Edible blog to my Fresh Easy Meal website to give you all the information  you need about cooking and growing your own fruit and vegetables on one site. Happy gardening!

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