Leaf beet; also know as perpetual spinach or spinach beet, with edible stems and leaves. It can crop year round. The crop is similar in flavor to spinach but more reliable. There is virtually no crop diversity with this vegetable.

Ideal Site- Leaf beet tolerates salt-laden winds and some shade. This is a good winter crop undercover. Prior to planting prepare the site with a low-fertility soil improver if soil was amended with compost from a previous crop. Otherwise use a medium-fertility soil improver, or a low-fertility material with a nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer. or Organic Compost Plus .The ideal soil pH is 6.5-7.5.

Seed to Harvest- 8-12 weeks

Cultivation- The minimum germination for leaf beet is 46F (8C). Undercover: Sow ‘multigermed’ seeds in cell packs in March and April. Thin to the strongest seedling or plant in clumps for a seedling crop. Harden off before planting outside. For a winter crop undercover plant in August.

Outside: Station-sow, half a thumb deep, in March and April to crop over summer and autumn. Sow in July and August to crop over winter and spring.

Seedling Cutting Crop- Broadcast sow thinly in early autumn for cutting in winter undercover.

Spacing- Rows: 9 x 15 in (23 x 38cm); Block Planting: 9in (23cm)

Plant Care- Water in dry weather. Mulch to retain moisture, use a medium-fertility soil improver.

Problems- Beet leaf miner, beet leaf spot

Harvesting- Pick leaves from the outside first as soon as they are big enough to eat. Cutting crops are ready very quickly; take the first cut at about 2in (5cm) tall. Allow to grow slightly taller before the next cut. To rejuvenate older plants, cut all off just above the soil.

Nutrients- Leaf beets are a nutritious vegetable which contains Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Zinc, Vitamin C , Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Folate, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin K.