

For maximum nutritional punch, spinach is a shining farm-to-table star. It likes sandy soil and cool temperatures.
Varieties of spinach fall roughly into three groups. Flat-leaf, the most popular, is smooth with teardrop-shape leaves. Savoy and semi-savoy are wrinkly and more intense in flavor. Sow seeds in spring and plant a second crop in autumn. In mild climates, try mulching with straw to keep your crop active through winter. Spinach is fast-growing. Pick the outer leaves first and watch for bolting, or flowering. If it bolts, it’s bitter.