Swiss Chard is another great spinach substitute that grows well in the heat of summer.

Northern Lights Mix contains some of the intense colors of chard that we have ever seen. The 21 to 26" plants produce eye-appealing stalk colors of deep gold, snow white, deep red and magenta, all with shiny, medium green colored leaves. Mature leaves are lightly savoyed to heavily savoyed. The stalks are broad, tender, and fleshy, even at full maturity. Grows best in full sun, but will tolerate partial shade .

Add some color to your garden and kitchen. 

The turmetic plant is ready to be planted into a larger pot or into the garden. They will multiply underground and form more rhizhomes.  When the leaves dry and die the rhizomes can be harvested, dried and powdered into turmeric powder or used like ginger root peeled, and cut into match sticks, cubes or coins and added to food or smoothies.

Turmeric has many medicinal uses and is being sold as an herbal supplement. The following are some of the known benefits:

The leaves of Piper sarmentosum are eaten in Southeast Asia and Northeastern India. It has a nice peppery flavor, it is delicious chopped up into salads. The leaves can also be added to curries, or blanched and used as an herb. Larger leaves can be lightly steamed and then used as wraps for vegetables

It resembles Piper Betel (Paan) but doesn't have the intense flavor of Paan.

Persian Basil is a Middle Eastern type basil that has large silvery green leaves and a distinctive aroma of spicy citrus.Persian Basil is eaten raw usually with kebabs. It is used extensively in salads and cooked dishes as well. It is slower bolting than Italian sweet basil varieties. When it does blooms it makes an attractive cut-flower.  2015 AAS Winner. 

Reyhan is the Farsi word for this variety of Basil. 

Amaranthus Polygonoides 

 Siru keerai, is another spinach substitute popular in Tamil Nadu. The leaves are smaller and pointier than Arai keerai and consuming it has cooling properties.

It goes well combined with dal or as a poriyal.  Easy to grow, simply sprinkle tiny seeds on the surface of the soil.

Seed color: Black 

Amaranthus dubious

Araikeerai or spleen amaranthus is a variety of amaranthus popular in Tamil Nadu. A delicious substitute for spinach and an essential ingredient in preparation of Masiyal, it has medicinal qualities especially for post partum and lactating women.

Keerai leaves are high in vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, potassium, and folate. They also contain iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Keerai leaves can be used both raw or cooked, such as stir-frying, steaming, sauteing, and boiling. They can be added to salads and are commonly used in soups, stir-fries, rice dishes, dals, and curries.

Easy to grow, simply sprinkle seeds on the surface of soil.

Seed color: Black