Spinach
Spinacea oleracea
I
planted my spinach in a partially shaded area and it may grow back for you—mine didn’t,
(just behind the shed), and I’m so glad I did. but perhaps it was too hot.
We had a shockingly sunny summer for the Pa- I really enjoy these wonderfully fl avored
cific Northwest, and with our long days, this tender leaves in salads, especially along with
made for bolting conditions for these tender strawberries—a lovely combination. Or I pour
plants. a stew or thick soup over a base of fresh leaves,
Not only heat can cause bolting but also which quickly wilt but still retain that beauti
what I, as a Scot, call sting y planting... that is, ful color.
planting too close together to maximize growth
in a small space. Spinach really needs at least The Numbers
4 inches clear space for air circulation and no
Dark green leaves are especially valuable from a
more than 10 hours of sun a day. But even then, nutritional standpoint, and spinach certainly delivers
temperatures above 75ºF are usually bad news, more than its fair share. The only possible caution is
and shade is essential. for those of us who think that one kidney stone is too
When harvesting, start with the outer leaves many. (See also kohlrabi on page 164.)
to encourage growth of the inner leaves and to For each 100 g raw (3.5 oz ; 1 cup): 33 calories, 0 g fat,
promote air circulation. If you choose to cut 0 g saturated fat, 4 g carbohydrate, 3 g protein, 2 g
the whole plant, do so 3 inches above soil level dietary fiber, 79 mg sodium
232 • GROWING AT THE SPEED OF LIFE
