FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 5, 2013 - The arrival of yellow
daffodils, green lawns, and garden fresh salad are sure signs of
spring. Leafy greens are among the easiest vegetables to grow,
said a University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator.
"You are sure to enjoy the best-tasting salad with greens that
you have grown," promised Jennifer Fishburn. "Spring greens such
as spinach and lettuce are easy to grow in a full-sun to part-
shade garden location or in a container garden on a patio." Cool
spring and fall temperatures are ideal for growing leafy greens.
Spinach is a cool-season crop which thrives when the average
daily temperature is between 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This
cold-hardy green can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees
Fahrenheit but does poorly in summer. High temperatures and long
days cause plants to bolt (produce a seed stalk). In addition,
leaves may become bitter and have a poorer texture. For late
spring plantings, look for varieties that are marked with the
words "lon