Here’s our list of 2021 greens continued.

4. Giant Noble Spinach 

Seed started:

Planted in the garden March 23, 2021

Size:

Up to 25 inch spread, if they’re really happy

Location:

Full sun if cool enough, part shade if super hot or they will bolt. 

Matures in:

20 inch leaves in 45 days or thereabouts. 

Native to:

Originally from ancient Persia it made its way to the Medeteranean and, from there, Europe. It was Thomas Jefferson who helped to introduce spinach to the United States growing many varieties at Monticello. This particular variety is an heirloom from 1926, also known as Long-Standing Gaudry.

Why did I Choose it?

Seed swap

Uses?

The tender leaves are great for canning, steaming, or salads. We rarely eat greens fresh but love them pan-fried with butter and garlic, or added to many dishes as our vegetable component. A fun addition to a dish pan-fried with butter and garlic is golden raisins and pine nuts. Toast the pine nuts in the pan and then remove. Add butter, raisins and garlic and saute until garlic is fragrant, then add the spinach and cook until just wilted. Add a squeeze of lemon, top with pine nuts, and serve. The original recipe I used is from Deborah Madison’s cookbook but here’s a recipe that looks about the same. 

Specifics:

The giant of the spinach clan, this variety is for those who want quantity and quality. . Giant Noble Spinach produces a large, spreading plant with huge, smooth, dark-green leaves with excellent flavour. Considered to be sweeter than other spinach varieties. Spinach is a cool weather vegetable that is relatively easy to grow and this variety is slow to bolt. It will grow best in spring and fall. Sow seeds again in late summer for a fall crop.

Personal Notes: 

I grew spinach last year from a random seed pack someone gave me, but they didn’t really get big or turn out well before the heat came. I planted the seeds much earlier this year so hopefully we’ll get a good crop before they bolt. 

5. Rainbow Chard

I’m planting Rainbow Chard again this year. See my writeup from 2020. 

Some came from the seed swap and some is seed from last year’s Hawthorn Farm packet. I also received a packet of Green Chard in the seed swap that I just added to the mix. 

6. Daikon Radish

Seed started:

Planted out in the garden April 14, 2021

Size:

12-24 inches high by 6-12 inches wide

Location:

Full sun

Matures in:

50 - 60 days

Native to:

Asia

Why did I Choose it?

Seed swap

Uses?

Asian dishes, pickling, kimchi.

Specifics:

Mild flavoured radish, popular in Japan. 

The white root averages 12-15 inches long and 2.5-3.5 inches in diameter. Usually planted in fall and winter the root keeps well in cool soil and stores well at proper temperatures. 

In our area they are best planted in July and August for a late fall harvest. 

Daikon radishes have long been cultivated in Asia, where they are widely used for pickling, fermenting, relishes, stir-fries, salads, soups, and condiments. The tops are delicious and nutrient-rich, actually all parts of the radish are edible, even the developing seed pods. 

Personal Notes: 

I know, I know. Sow in July or August. 

‘Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself, I am large, I contain multitudes.’

So why did I sow them in March? 

I just wanted to know if it would work. Worst case I sow them again in July and August. I have enough seeds.