It is a vegetable that can be harvested over a long period of time as individual leaves can be cut from the main stem as they are required. This will encourage the plant to produce new tender leaves. Applications of foliar fertiliser at regular intervals will also encourage healthy new growth.

Spinach is relatively easy to grow, with its main requirements being a sunny position and well-drained soil.

Pests and diseases are not generally a major problem for spinach plants. Caterpillars, leaf hoppers and thrips can be controlled with a pyrethrum-based spray. Downy mildew and leaf spots, which may occur after excessive rain or in more humid conditions, can be managed with a fungicide.

Spinach is a rich source of iron so this factor, when combined with the leafy green nature of its stems, makes it a valuable dietary addition.

When spinach leaves have been harvested, they can be prepared in many different ways. Spinach leaves can be steamed or stir-fried, taking only a few minutes to be ready for the meal.

Spinach leaves, stir-fried over a high heat, can then have sultanas and pine nuts added to them while they continue to cook. Raisins or currants can be substituted for the sultanas.

Many gardeners enjoy including fruit trees in their yards as they enjoy being able to harvest the fresh crops, knowing what sprays and other substances have been applied to the fruit.

Fruit trees may include citrus varieties, as well as stone fruit trees and apples, pears and cherries. Varieties of trees that are traditionally grown on cooler climates are now available for growing in warmer areas.

Gardeners desiring to add fruit trees to their backyards should make their selections during the winter months.

Many different varieties are now available at garden centres and nurseries.

Some trees are available as bare-rooted specimens, meaning that they have been dug out of the ground at the wholesale nursery and the roots have then been covered with wet sacking or sawdust. Other trees will have been planted into pots.

For the modern, smaller gardens, many varieties are available in dwarf forms, meaning that they have been grafted onto stock that will only reach a limited height while still producing a good crop.

Trees that have multiple varieties of the one type of fruit grafted onto the one base stock will produce different fruits. This will mean that the gardener can enjoy different fruits in a more confined space.

The majority of fruit trees are pruned to an open-vase shape which allows sunlight and air to reach the inner areas of the trees. Pruning is carried out in winter and is generally hard in the early years so that a good structure of branches becomes established.

As the tree ages, pruning will involve the removal of dead or spindly wood and any branches that have grown towards the centre of the tree.

For the smaller garden, espaliered trees that have been trained and pruned to longer, thinner, flatter shapes are ideal as they require less space. Espaliered trees can be grown quite successfully against walls and fences.

Fruit trees should be planted into soil that has been enriched with compost. The addition of water-saving crystals will help to ensure a good water supply during the summer months.

Fruit trees that belong to the Prunus genus, including peaches, nectarines and almonds can display evidence of peach leaf curl disease during the spring and summer months. This disease appears as raised light green lumps and red patches on the leaves. The leaves become misshapen and curl up. The leaves then become more easily attacked by other pests such as aphids.

Repeated attacks of the disease will eventually weaken the tree, resulting in a reduced fruit yield. However, once there is evidence of the disease it is too late to treat the symptoms or control the disease.

A treatment program must be carried out during the months of mid to late winter for effective control. Weekly sprays using copper based substances such as Copper Oxychloride will be a preventative measure.

The spray Should be applied so that it covers the flower buds as they are beginning to swell and show some colour. Once the buds have opened it is too late to apply the spray. Periods of rain will wash the spray from the buds, necessitating a re-application.

Mesclun is a term used to describe a salad mix of assorted small, young salad leaves. The traditional mix includes chervil, leafy lettuces rocket and endive, in equal proportions. 

However, modern variations include other plants. The tangy leaves of radicchio (red-leafed chicory), the peppery taste of rocket, combined with the colour and texture of red and green lettuces makes for a colourful and flavoursome mixture. Other ingredients that might be included are; spinach, mustard greens, mizuna and dandelion.

All these ingredients are suitable for growing in the home garden. They are particularly suitable for smaller gardens or courtyards as they can be grown successfully in foam boxes. In fact, these vegetables grow most successfully when they’re grown quickly and harvested as required.