How to grow spinach

Guide to Growing Spinach

Choose the Right Variety

Spinach comes in several varieties, each with its own unique features:

• Savoy: This variety has crinkled leaves, often sold in bags for salads or cooking. It’s the most common type in grocery stores.
• Flat-leaf: Has smooth, broad leaves and is commonly used for fresh salads and in cooking.
• Semi-savoy: A hybrid between the savoy and flat-leaf types, with slightly wrinkled leaves. It’s easier to clean and is often more cold-tolerant.
• Baby spinach: A smaller, tender-leafed variety harvested early for salads.
• New Zealand: A vigorous type that tolerates heat much better than standard varieties.

When to Plant

Spinach is a cool-season crop that thrives in mild temperatures. The ideal temperature range is 50-60°F.

• Spring planting: Start planting early in the spring, 4-6 weeks before the last frost date, as spinach prefers cool weather.
• Fall planting: You can also plant spinach in late summer or early fall for a second crop. This is especially good if you have a shorter growing season.
• Succession planting: To extend your harvest, plant spinach every 2-3 weeks during the growing season, ensuring you have a continuous supply.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Spinach grows best in full sun but can tolerate light shade, especially in warmer weather. In hot climates, providing some afternoon shade will help prevent bolting (when the plant goes to seed prematurely).
• Soil: Spinach prefers loamy, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Spinach also benefits from soil that is rich in organic matter.
• Space: Spinach plants need 6-12 inches of space between each other, depending on whether you're growing baby spinach or larger leaves. Rows should be spaced 12-18 inches apart.

Soil Preparation

• Soil amendments: Spinach is a heavy feeder, so it will benefit from the addition of compost or well-rotted manure to the soil. This will improve soil structure and provide essential nutrients.
• Soil texture: Make sure the soil is well-drained. If you have heavy or clayey soil, amend it with organic matter or sand to ensure proper drainage.
• Fertilizing: Spinach doesn’t usually need much fertilizer if the soil is amended with compost. However, you can side-dress with a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) if needed during the growing season.

Planting

• Direct sowing: Spinach is best grown from seeds. Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep in well-prepared soil. Space seeds 1 inch apart in rows, and space rows about 12-18 inches apart.
• Spacing for baby spinach: For baby spinach, thin plants to about 2 inches apart to allow enough room for growth.
• Thinning: Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them out to ensure proper air circulation and give plants room to grow.

Watering

• Consistent moisture: Spinach needs regular water to grow, especially during dry spells. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged, to avoid root rot.
• Watering tips: Water at the base of the plants, not on the leaves, to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation for efficient watering.
• Mulching: Apply mulch around the base of plants to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weeds.

Fertilizing

• Organic matter: As spinach is a heavy feeder, amend the soil with plenty of organic matter like compost before planting.
• Side-dressing: You can feed your spinach plants with a light dose of balanced fertilizer about 4-6 weeks after planting if they seem to need extra nutrients.
• Avoid high nitrogen: Excessive nitrogen can cause spinach to produce a lot of leaves, but at the cost of flavor and texture. Use a balanced or slightly lower-nitrogen fertilizer to encourage strong root and leaf growth without excessive leafy shoots.

Pest and Disease Control

• Common pests:
  • Aphids: These tiny pests can be found on the undersides of leaves. Spray with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap to remove them.
  • Leaf miners: These pests create tunnels in the leaves. You can control them with row covers to prevent adults from laying eggs.
  • Snails and slugs: If you notice holes in the leaves, you may have a snail or slug problem. Use organic slug bait or set out beer traps to attract and drown them.
• Diseases:
  • Downy mildew: This fungal disease shows as yellow spots on the leaves. To reduce the risk, space plants to promote air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
  • Powdery mildew: If the weather is too warm and humid, spinach may develop powdery mildew. Use organic fungicides or remove infected leaves to prevent the spread of the disease.
  • Root rot: Spinach is sensitive to wet feet, so avoid overwatering and ensure your soil drains well.

Harvesting

• When to harvest: Spinach is typically ready to harvest in 30-50 days from sowing, depending on the variety and growing conditions. The leaves should be fully grown but tender, and the plant should not yet be flowering (bolting).
• How to harvest:
  • Baby spinach: For baby spinach, harvest the outer leaves when they are about 3-4 inches long. You can pick individual leaves as needed for fresh salads or cooking.
  • Full-size spinach: For mature spinach, wait until the plant reaches full size. Harvest by cutting the entire plant at the base, leaving the roots in the soil. If you cut the leaves above the crown, new growth will sprout, and you can harvest again.
• Cutting technique: Use scissors or a sharp knife to avoid damaging the plant. Harvest in the morning for the best flavor.

Storage

• Fresh spinach: After harvesting, rinse the spinach leaves in cool water and pat them dry. Store spinach in the refrigerator in a plastic bag or container lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. It will stay fresh for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: If you have an abundance of spinach, you can freeze it. To do so:
  1. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2 minutes to preserve color and flavor.
  2. Transfer to ice water immediately to stop the cooking process.
  3. Dry thoroughly, then pack in airtight containers or freezer bags. Frozen spinach can last for up to 6 months.
• Drying: You can also dry spinach leaves for long-term storage, either using a dehydrator or your oven set to a low temperature. Once dried, store the leaves in an airtight container.

Bolting and How to Prevent It

• What is bolting? Bolting is when a spinach plant produces a flower stalk and goes to seed, causing the leaves to become bitter and tough.
• Prevent bolting:
  • Plant spinach early in the cool spring or fall to avoid the summer heat, which causes bolting.
  • Choose bolt-resistant varieties if you live in a region with a warm spring or summer.
  • Water regularly to keep the plants cool and stress-free.
  • Harvest spinach early before it starts to flower if you're growing it during warmer months.

Bonus Tips for Success:

• Succession planting: To enjoy fresh spinach for longer, plant new seeds every 2-3 weeks. This way, you can harvest the leaves gradually and avoid the risk of bolting.
• Companion planting: Spinach grows well with peas, radishes, and strawberries. Avoid planting it near beets, as they can compete for the same nutrients.
• Growing in containers: Spinach can be grown in containers or raised beds. Just make sure the container is at least 6 inches deep and has good drainage.

Spinach is a fast-growing and highly nutritious crop, perfect for beginner gardeners. With these tips, you'll be able to grow your own healthy, delicious spinach for salads, soups, and cooking! Happy gardening! 🪴