As the temperature begins to warm in some places around the country, one nutritional magazine is urging people to plant four specific green vegetables in their garden for optimal health.

In the February-March 2009 issue of Organic Gardening magazine, Sara Ruch writes about the health benefits of growing spinach, Swiss chard, kale and turnip greens, the Keene Sentinel reports.

Aside from the cost benefit, planting the four vegetables can provide a person with a diet rich in nutrients, according to the article. For example, spinach is an excellent source of magnesium, as well as vitamins A, E, and C. Those vitamins have been known to reduce the risk of heart disease.

Kale is a good source of vitamin K, which allows blood to clot and strengthens bones, and is important since the nutrient isn’t stored in one’s body. This means foods rich in vitamin K should be eaten often.

Ruch also wrote the major advantage of growing one’s own vegetables is the ability to harvest the food fresh just before they are to be prepared and eaten, states the Sentinel. Although the local grocery store may have fresh vegetables, Ruch said the food loses some of its nutrients after traveling long distances.