The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Womble on September 06, 2010, 11:04:32 am

Title: Perpetual Spinach
Post by: Womble on September 06, 2010, 11:04:32 am

No really, I meant to post this under 'Poultry'!

We planted a patch of this in our raised bed, approx 2m x 1m. Now, this wee patch of greens has provided our four hens with a decent bunch of greens every day over the summer, and they absolutely love it.  We hang up the leaves from a piece of string just above their head height, and they spend ages jumping up to peck and pull bits off.

The more you pick it, the more it just seems to keep coming! We have also managed a few meals for ourselves as a bonus  ;).  So, given that it's cheap as chips, and really easy to grow, it's definitely something we'll be doing in future years too. Definitely a thumbs up from the Womble clan!
Title: Re: Perpetual Spinach
Post by: faith0504 on September 06, 2010, 12:57:58 pm
thats a great idea, i have been growing the fast grow lettaces for my girls they love them,
Title: Re: Perpetual Spinach
Post by: little blue on September 06, 2010, 08:58:42 pm
its a brilliant plant! all our animals & people love it.... though alot of ours has bolted this year??!
Title: Re: Perpetual Spinach
Post by: Mickyork on September 06, 2010, 10:27:56 pm
You can strip the leaves off and bag them up & put them in the freezer too. Work great with chicken in a curry  :yum: :yum: :yum:
Title: Re: Perpetual Spinach
Post by: Hermit on September 07, 2010, 09:39:28 am
I use them in curries as well :) Great food for chooks and definately never ending . I have grown a patch in the poly to see how long it will grow. It is a beet and the chard stays green all winter outside so hopefully should keep the chooks happy all winter by growing the more tender  leaf beet inside inside.
Title: Re: Perpetual Spinach
Post by: Helencus on September 07, 2010, 11:13:21 pm
My girls love it and it just keeps coming!
Title: Re: Perpetual Spinach
Post by: pottsie on September 08, 2010, 09:05:47 am
If you like this also try chard bright lights works exactly the same with lots more colour, tastes really nice to, we use it in curry and in stir fry.

Rob.  ;D