Little Hero

CONTAINER PLANTING

Plant in early spring when danger of hard frost is over. Use a pot at least 15-18 in. in diameter and 12 in. deep, and start with fresh potting mix. Sow seeds 2 in. apart or simply broadcast seeds thinly, aiming for 2 in. spacing. Cover with 1/2 inch of potting mix and firm soil well over seeds. If first sowing germinates unevenly, plant more seed as seedlings will catch up fast.

GROWING NOTES

Birds love tender young seedlings, so protect as necessary with netting or floating row cover. Sow again in late summer for a fall crop. Keep spinach well watered and weeded and fertilize every few weeks and especially after harvesting.

HARVEST AND USE

To harvest by the “cut and come again” method: when plants are 4 to 5 in. tall, cut as much as you need, by using scissors to shear off leaves 1 to 2 in. above the soil level. Water well and fertilize lightly and plants will regrow for several more cuttings. Little Hero’s tender, baby leaves are delicious in fresh salads with additions like thinly sliced sweet onions, sliced radishes, thin wedges of apple or orange, toasted nuts, chopped scallions, crispy bacon bits, hard-cooked egg quarters and grated cheese. Or stirfry, braise or sauté very quickly for healthy, tasty greens.