Spinach and chard are underappreciated but highly valuable indoor crops. They need less light and prefer cooler temperatures — ideal for winter growing.
Spinach: Germinates in 5–10 days, first harvest in 25–30 days, ideal at 10–18°C with 10–14 hours light. Bolts above 20°C.
Chard: More resilient than spinach, 35–45 days to harvest, 15–24°C range, 12–16 hours light. Colorful stem varieties (red, yellow, orange) add visual interest.
Harvest: "Cut and Come Again" — harvest outer leaves, center keeps growing. 5–7 harvests per plant.
Nutritional value: Rich in iron, calcium, vitamin K, folate and antioxidants. 100g daily makes a meaningful contribution to nutritional balance.