Water spinach, also known as kangkong, is a leafy green vegetable that is native to Southeast Asia. It is a popular ingredient in many Asian cuisines, and it is also becoming increasingly popular in other parts of the world.

Water spinach is a very nutritious vegetable. It is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium. It is also a good source of antioxidants.

Water spinach can be grown from seed, and it is a relatively easy vegetable to grow.

How to choose the right water spinach seeds

When choosing water spinach seeds, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Variety: There are a number of different varieties of water spinach available. Some popular varieties include Malabar spinach, Ceylon spinach, and Hong Kong spinach.
  
• Climate: Water spinach is a warm-season vegetable, so it is important to choose a variety that is suited to your climate.
  
• Disease resistance: There are a number of diseases that can affect water spinach, so it is important to choose a variety that is resistant to disease.

How to grow water spinach from seed

To grow water spinach from seed, follow these steps:

1. Sow the seeds in a moist, well-drained potting mix.
2. Cover the seeds lightly with soil.
3. Place the pot in a warm, sunny location.
4. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
5. The seeds should germinate within 7-10 days.
6. Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them so that they are spaced 6-8 inches apart.
7. Transplant the seedlings to your garden when they are 6-8 inches tall.
8. Water spinach plants regularly, especially during hot weather.
9. Fertilize the plants every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
10. Harvest the leaves when they are 6-8 inches long.

Tips for growing water spinach

• Water spinach plants prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
• Water spinach plants need well-drained soil.
• Water spinach plants are heavy feeders, so it is important to fertilize them regularly.
• Water spinach plants are susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, so it is important to inspect them regularly and take steps to control any problems that you find.

Companion planting

Water spinach is a good companion plant for a variety of vegetables, including tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, and okra. Water spinach can also be planted with herbs such as basil, oregano, and rosemary.

Harvesting and storage

Water spinach leaves can be harvested at any time, but they are best harvested when they are young and tender. To harvest, simply cut the leaves off at the base of the plant.

Water spinach leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To store, wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag.

Cooking water spinach

Water spinach can be cooked in a variety of ways, including stir-frying, steaming, and boiling. Water spinach is often used in Asian dishes such as pad thai and stir-fries.

Nutrition facts

One cup (100 grams) of raw water spinach contains the following nutrients:

• Calories: 23
• Protein: 2 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 4 grams
• Fiber: 2 grams
• Vitamin A: 130% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 92% of the DV
• Vitamin K: 100% of the DV
• Calcium: 6% of the DV
• Iron: 6% of the DV
• Magnesium: 4% of the DV

Conclusion

Water spinach is a nutritious and delicious vegetable that can be grown from seed. With a little care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of water spinach from your own garden.