Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is an annual plant that is grown as a vegetable. It is an excellent natural resource that contains fiber, vitamins A, C, E, K, group B (B6, B2, B1), folic acid and minerals such as potassium, manganese, zinc, magnesium, iron and calcium, which contribute many health benefits. It is also rich in phytonutrients, especially beta-carotene and lutein, making it a vegetable with antioxidant properties. There are different types of spinach and all are composed mostly of water, it is an excellent food loaded with many nutrients, it is low in calories, it is one of the vegetables that contains more protein and can be eaten raw, in salads, cooked, in soups or stews.
Select the seed according to the variety that we want to plant.
They prefer rich and humid soils, however, spinach can grow on any type of soil, as long as it has enough organic matter. In the case of small orchards or pots it is enough to add compost to the soil.
This plant does not tolerate acid soils (it prefers P.H. values between 6 and 6.5). If the soil is very acidic, add lime to solve this problem.
Spinach requires little heat to develop, otherwise it will flower early and become very bitter. The most recommended is to plant the seeds in early spring or autumn when the summer heat has passed. We can also plant in summer, but the ideal is to select varieties resistant to heat.
The sowing of the seed is done directly on the ground, at a depth of approximately 2 cm. If they are planted in orchards, rows should be made with a separation of 30 cm and in pots the seeds are spread according to the size of the pot.
It grows preferably without much sun. Therefore, the ideal is to plant it in places that receive shade during the day. It also tolerates being in full sun but we must be very careful that it is not in hot places. The excess of heat makes it flower prematurely and makes it bitter.
This plant is favored when the soil is moist, however, it is necessary to avoid puddles as this can rot the roots. Therefore, the ideal thing is to water when the land is dry.
Approximately in 2 months we can harvest the spinach, it is not necessary to tear the whole plant, just take out its external leaves, in this way the small internal leaves grow quickly.
People with allergies, kidney problems, gallbladder, gout, or who are taking an anticoagulant should not consume this plant.
