Spinach

Spinach is a cool weather crop that is very nutritious, with lots of vitamin C, K, iron, calcium, and folic acid. That is probably why Popeye had the catchphrase "I'm strong to the finish, cause I eats me spinach, I'm Popeye the Sailor Man"... It can be eaten fresh, steamed, boiled, stir fried, in smoothies, or added to soups and other dishes. It's easy to grow in the early spring, and also in the fall. Spinach is always a welcome sight in our vegetable garden.

Spinach can be sown indoors or direct sown. Sow 3-4 weeks before last frost indoors to a depth of 1/2" (13mm) or outside in early spring, it can also be sown 6-8 weeks before the first frost. Prepare beds located in full sun to partial shade, with compost and well rotted manure. Space plants every 2" (5cm) and water lightly but consistently.

For more on growing spinach in the vegetable garden see this video on How to Grow Spinach for Beginners by Garden Answer

PennState Extension has some good tips for growing spinach in the vegetable garden or visit Michigan State University Extension to learn more about gardening with spinach.