Planting and Growing Guide for Spinach, or English spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
Description
Spinach is the classic leafy green vegetable with a huge array of uses. It grows best in cooler weather, as it quickly runs to seed in warm weather and stops producing leaves. For this reason, Spinach is not suited for hot climate zones, except when grown through Winter. Spinach is usually grown as an annual. However, it can be sown in Fall (Autumn) and left in the ground in winter if the plants are protected by mulch. Alternatives to Spinach, that are suitable for warm areas are NZ spinach or Swiss Chard (Silverbeet). Sow in batches every 2-3 weeks to provide a continual supply of young spinach leaves through the winter months.
Use young Spinach leaves in salads and as a leafy green in a wide range of dishes. Steam and lightly blanch the leaves and use in a variety of dishes. Spinach also makes a wonderful side dish for meat.
Planting Guide
Seed Depth: Sow seed directly into the garden, or in seed trays, after the last frost, at a depth of 5 mm (1/4 inch). Lightly cover the seed with soil. Seedlings can be difficult to transplant.
Space between plants: Plant seeds with a spacing of 10-20 cm (4-8 inches).
Harvest Time: Harvest in 5-10 weeks. Leaves can be harvested from small plants as needed as they grow. Plant in batches to ensure a continual supply
Hints:
- Grows best in full sun, in a sheltered spot that does not dry out.
- Spinach are frost tolerant once established in the garden.
- Spinach prefer a friable, deep soil, that is rich in organic matter
- Feed regularly and add compost around the plants as they grow to provide mulch and source of nutrients.
- Spinach does best in well-drained, moist soil, that is rich in nitrogen and with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH (6.5-7.5)
- Roots are shallow and easily damaged. Keep soil moist with mulching. This also helps to control weeds.
Disclaimer: The PlantWhatWhen vegetable planting guide is only designed for use as a very general reference for home gardening purposes. It is not to be used for farming, markets or commercial activities of any kind whatsoever. We take absolutely no responsibility for the accuracy and adequacy of the information provided on this site. We recommend that you consider your local climate, weather patterns and conditions when deciding what and when to plant in your home garden. It's entirely your own decision. Happy Gardening and Best Wishes!