Edamame Pasta with Pesto & Greens

Basil

• Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost, or directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed in a warm, sunny spot.
• Basil thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring consistent moisture.
• Pinch back the central stem once the plant has 6-8 leaves to encourage bushier growth and prevent early flowering.

Garlic

• Plant individual cloves, pointed end up, 4-6 inches apart and 2 inches deep in well-drained soil in autumn for harvest the following summer.
• Garlic requires a cold period (vernalization) to form large bulbs, making fall planting ideal in most temperate climates.
• Ensure a sunny location and keep the bed weed-free as garlic doesn't compete well.

Spinach

• Spinach prefers cool weather; sow seeds in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked, and again in late summer for a fall crop.
• Choose a site with full sun in cooler climates or partial shade in warmer regions to prevent bolting.
• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to ensure tender leaves.

• For aphids on basil and spinach, spray plants with a strong stream of water to dislodge them or use an insecticidal soap.

• To deter slugs and snails from spinach, use beer traps or create barriers with copper tape or crushed eggshells around plants.

• Prevent spider mites on basil by maintaining good air circulation and misting leaves, especially in dry conditions.

Basil

• Harvest leaves by pinching off stems just above a leaf node, encouraging the plant to branch out and produce more leaves; avoid taking more than a third of the plant at once.

Garlic

• Harvest when the bottom 2-3 leaves have yellowed and dried but the top leaves are still green, usually mid-summer; too long and cloves may separate in the ground.

Spinach

• For 'baby spinach,' harvest outer leaves when they are 3-4 inches long, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing for a cut-and-come-again harvest.