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
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.
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- http://www.fresheasymeals.com/spinach-lasagna.html
- http://www.fresheasymeals.com/spinach-supreme.html
- 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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