Growing spinach has strong appeal in Canberra's winter

Spinach is one of the few vegetables that will grow well over these cold winter days and provide good nutrition to all. It is fast growing so you can begin picking outer leaves just a few weeks after planting. The leaves are delicate and have high levels of calcium, folates, vitamins A, C and K, along with iron. They provide good levels of fibre during the winter and spring time.

Spinach goes back to the Persian empire. It was only introduced to Western Europe only by the Moors after they had conquered Spain. It is grown commercially in Australian mostly in Tasmania and Victoria over the cooler months, as it will go to seed very quickly in hot summer weather.

The seeds will germinate in temperatures down to 7 degrees. You can achieve good germination in an unheated poly-tunnel or low level cloche, planting the seed just 1.5 to 2cm deep and 2.5cm apart. Alternatively, sow seed into a propagation tray but leave plenty of space around each seed so that you avoid disturbing the little roots when transplanting.

This is one crop that can withstand the very cold winter nights of the Canberra region. The little plants can be frosted and frozen overnight then thaw out and keep growing.

Spinach needs to grow in well drained garden beds so hill up the sides of the bed or, better still, rake the soil into small, long ridges and plant the seeds or seedlings along the tops of the ridges. Prepare the bed by digging in a good supply of compost and some pelletised organic fertiliser. During the growth stages provide liquid feeds every two weeks as the plants need to grow very quickly and strongly.

During the growth stages, if the weather is very dry then regular waterings are required. Spinach will go to seed if it endures either nutrient or water stress. Weed before the invading grasses take over and mulch with pea straw or organic sugar cane mulch.

The small, fresh leaves are wonderful for many dishes but they are also very attractive to birds that visit the garden. You may need to set up a wire mesh tunnel or drape some of the white bird netting over the crop.

Baby leaves can be added to winter salads. Pick off leaves very gently to avoid damaging them or disturbing the plant. Pick as required as this is certainly a vegetable that is best enjoyed as soon as it is picked. If you need to keep overnight, place into a food fresh plastic bag. Freeze surplus quantities for later use.

Bloomsdale long standing is a good, well-flavoured English-style spinach with thick, slightly crumpled leaves. Southern european and winter giant are two other excellent spinach varieties that crop well. Galilee is a Middle Eastern variety with triangular shaped leaves. Galilee is more heat tolerant than most other varieties.

Beef and spinach casserole

800g diced beef

2 medium onions, finely chopped

grapeseed or olive oil

750g fresh spinach

½ bunch fresh coriander

4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

3 medium tomatoes, diced

1 tbsp tomato paste

½ cup beef stock

¼ tsp ground black pepper

salt to taste

Heat a deep-based cooking pot and add the oil. Saute the diced beef and set aside with its juice. Saute the onions then add back the meat. Add in the fresh coriander (finely chopped), garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato paste and beef stock. Stir well then season with pepper and simmer for around 30 minutes, until the meat is tender.

Wash and drain the spinach leaves, then cut into 10mm wide strips. Add the spinach and season with salt. Cover and simmer for a further 10 minutes, stirring regularly. Serve with fresh winter greens and crusty bread.

This week in the garden:

• If you choose to plant globe artichoke suckers, asparagus crowns or rhubarb sets, provide a well prepared, garden bed, with lots of compost and good drainage.
• Weed around your little lettuces, kale, spinach and garlic and mulch with sugar cane or pea straw mulch.
• Continue with pruning of fruit trees to remove crowded spurs and branches, keep control of the overall height and remove broken and dead limbs.
• Trim back overgrown shade trees to allow sufficient sunshine through to your fruit trees and vegetable garden.
• Following on recent heavy rains, take the opportunity to provide better drainage for waterlogged areas or put in place raised garden beds.

Owen Pidgeon runs the Loriendale Organic Orchard near Hall.