Andromeda Spinach

Why I grow it
Spinach earns its space because it's one of those vegetables you can actually use constantly rather than admiring while wondering what on earth to do with it. Andromeda produces plenty of useful leafy growth and can be harvested a few leaves at a time, allowing the plant to keep growing.

I particularly like greens that can simply be wandered past, picked and added to whatever is becoming dinner.

At a glance
Type: Leafy vegetable
Variety: Andromeda
Growth: Leafy rosette
Harvest: Pick leaves as required
Best use: Fresh or cooked
Inventory: 4 plants

In the kitchen
Use young leaves fresh in salads, or cook larger leaves anywhere you'd normally use spinach — pasta, curries, soups, pies, eggs or simply wilted into something at the last minute.

Harvesting the outer leaves while leaving the centre intact allows the plant to continue producing.

In the garden
Grow in the vegetable garden, amongst other edible plants or tucked into gaps in a potager. Spinach generally appreciates good soil, regular moisture and some protection from fierce heat, which can encourage it to bolt.

Care
Sun to part shade. Plant into fertile, moisture-retentive but free-draining soil and water regularly, particularly during dry weather. Harvest frequently to encourage ongoing leaf production.

What you’ll receive
One established Andromeda spinach plant, ready to continue growing and harvesting.

Plants naturally vary in size and shape and may be supplied in reused nursery pots or growing bags — perfectly useful plastic doesn't need replacing simply because it doesn't match.