Re: [gardeners] Re: Potatoes
George Shirley (gardeners@globalgarden.com)
Tue, 20 Oct 1998 13:06:03 -0700
Straight from the Pinetree catalog, page 31: New Zealands Spinach (55
days) This perennial spinach substitute has been in use in this country
since long before the Constitution. It is a staple of the dooryard
gardens at Sturbridge Village. Seeds are large (10 per packet) and slow
to germinate, so be patient. Properly known as tetragone, the flavor is
quite similar to that of real spinach.
Pinetree doesn't mention that it's a climber but I found out when it
climbed a tomato cage and took over. Hope this helps.
George
Penny Nielsen wrote:
>
> Hi George
>
> Never heard of New Zealand spinach. It sounds more like a vine than the kind of spinach I grow. Could you elaborate please. Also, you mention its a perennial. Is it a perennial in colder zones, say 5/6a too? Sounds interesting.
>
> TIA
>
> Penny in Halifax, N.S.
>
> >>> George Shirley <gshirley@iamerica.net> 10/20 10:58 AM >>>
> We use pine needles for a mulch under our blueberries and the azaleas,
> partially for the acidic boost and mostly because they mat good and stay
> there.
>
> Allen, our garden runs slightly acidic, about 6.5 pH and New Zealand
> spinach grows like a weed for us. Very good lightly steamed, freezes
> well, and dehydrates very well. I usually dry about a gallon container
> for winter use, ie soups and stews. Put it somewhere it can climb or run
> along the ground and just pick the leaves as you need them. It's
> supposed to be a perennial but I just found that out this year so will
> plant along the fence where it's out of the way.
>
> George