Spinach

I decided I would do some research on each of my plants that I am going to plant in my garden.
It was first cultivated by Persians and brought over to Europe around 1100 A.D. It became very popular in many monastery garden all across Europe. Although spinach was popularized in America, due to it's use by Popeye, it has been found that spinach has far less, although still a large amount, of iron than was originally calculated.
Spinach is a plant that grows close to the ground in a tight rosette of dark green leaves. It comes in two varieties, however, New Zealand spinach is less well known, compared to its more commonly used counterpart which originated in Asia. Spinach is a relative of beets and swiss chard.
Ideally, spinach is planted in colder weather so it will be a good plant to begin early in the season. If it is two hot spinach tends to go to seed or begin to bolt. Good spinach weather is early in the spring or autumn and around 50-59 degrees. Many people will germinate their seeds in a wet paper towel placed in the refrigerator due to the fact that spinach, being a cold season plant, will not germinate above 86 degrees F. Spinach grows in seed clusters which means that I will have to split them once they sprout in order to make sure that they don't compete for nutrients. Uniformly watered plants are the best for spinach as well as well draining soil.
Aphids and Leafminers are the most common pests for spinach and require removal of eggs and aphids that already exist in order to ensure that hatches of aphids are kept under control. Many of the diseases that affect spinach are caused by aphids so controlling and reducing the aphid population will ensure healthy growth. Slugs are also a problem, especially for seedlings.
Harvesting of spinach can usually occur within 2-2 1/2 months after the time of planting if conditions are ideal.
Spinach has a very high Iron content and is therefore very helpful for those ailing of anemia, heart, and kidney problems. it is also very high in beta carotene and folic acid. As well as, rich in vitamins A and C.