November 2024

This month’s featured plant is a little different from the usual ornamental selections: spinach! This easy-to-grow leafy vegetable can be added to your flower beds or even mixed with your violas for a unique planting combination.

The word “spinach” comes from the Persian “ispanai,” meaning “green hand.” Over time, it evolved into “spanachia” in Latin and finally became “spinach” in English. Spinach originated in Persia (modern-day Iran) and was exported to China by the 7th century. It made its way to Europe around the time of Marco Polo’s travels in the 14th century and later arrived in the New World with the earliest settlers.

Spinach, a member of the beet family and closely related to Swiss chard, is among the most nutritious greens we can grow, ideal for fresh salads and cooking alike.

For fall and winter harvesting, sow spinach seeds from early September through the end of November. For spring and early summer harvests, plant again from late February to early May. Spinach can survive through winter if planted in well-drained soil, resuming growth in late February for an early harvest. To enjoy fresh spinach all winter, try growing it in hotbeds, cold frames, or under frost cloth to protect it for winter salads.

Visit the Botanical Garden, where you’ll find spinach thriving in beds across our two vegetable gardens. If it’s chilly, look under the white frost cloth, which we use to shield plants when night temperatures drop into the 20s. You might also spot one of our garden volunteers, who are always happy to answer questions. All produce harvested from our gardens is donated to Seeds That Feed, providing fresh vegetables to food-insecure residents in NWA. Over 2,000 pounds have been harvested and distributed this year!

Berni Kurz

Director of Horticulture

Botanical Garden of the Ozarks