Quinoa is a pseudo-grain that is gluten free, high in fiber and protein. The plant can be grown to use the young leaves in salads, harvested for the grain or enjoyed in the garden as a burst of color. The grain is high in vitamins and minerals. Quinoa needs to be planted when the soil temperature is at least 60F but planted early enough since it needs about 90-120 days to make the mature seed heads. Once established, quinoa is drought tolerant. Do not fertilize with excess nitrogen. Companion plants for quinoa are beans, corn, dill, garlic, mint and rue.