Spinach needs cool weather to thrive, but if you choose carefully when you plant them and look for heat-resistant varieties, you can grow them anywhere in the world. Choose a spot that gets full sun in cold weather and partial shade in warmer temperatures. The soil should be light, fertile and moisture-retentive. Sow the spinach seeds directly into the soil as soon as the soil can be worked, normally anywhere from four to eight weeks before the last expected frost. Plant the seeds about 1.5 cm deep and in wide rows 5 cm apart.

For a continuous harvest, sow every two weeks until daytime temperatures begin to drop to an average of 23°C. Start sowing fall crops in cooler climates in mid-August, or later in warmer climates. Keep the soil moist and give the plants tea or fish scraps every 10 days until they are 6 inches (15 cm) tall.

Trim the spinach leaves from the outside of the plant if you need them, or harvest entire plants when they mature and before they begin to flower. If you see buds starting to form in the center, cut off the entire plant immediately.

Spinach Facts

Spinach consumption increased 33 percent in the United States between 1931 and 1936 when Popeye became popular. In cities where spinach is grown, several statues have even been erected in honor of Popeye and the enormous boost he gave their industry. But why did Elzie Crisler Sega, the creator of Popeye, choose spinach as Popeye's superfood? That's because it's a highly nutritious plant, rich in vitamins, minerals, and other phytonutrients.

Spinach is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, magnesium, manganese, iron, calcium, vitamin C, vitamin B2, potassium and vitamin B6. It also contains plenty of protein, phosphorus, vitamin E, zinc, dietary fiber and copper.

In addition, the plant is packed with selenium, niacin and omega-3 fatty acids. So... get some seeds!