Spinach

Botanical name: Spinacia oleracea

English spinach is a cool weather crop, it prefers a rich well-drained soil with added compost. Plant in full sun, keep well watered and mulch. Soak seed overnight before sowing. Sow autumn and winter, in cold areas sow early spring. Sow seed 1 cm deep, either directly where it is to grow or in seedling trays and keep moist. Space 20 cm apart in rows 30 cm apart. Harvest outer leaves continually to prevent bolting. Pick in the early morning for the best nutrition. Spinach is high in vitamins A, B and C, mineral salts and iron and can be eaten raw or cooked. Suitable for temperate areas, winter in subtropical areas only.