How To Grow Spinach

Growing spinach can be quite tricky for so many of us, but the key is to really hit the season appropriately. Spinach loves the swing seasons (Spring and Fall), and can even do well as a start from the nursery. The trick is to allow it the cooler temps. Spinach can do well interplanted if placed strategically in the shade of something like corn or mature tomatoes.

Here are our 5 tips for growing spinach:

1. Plant spinach in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Spinach prefers loamy soil with a slightly acidic pH. Try adding pine needles to your garden or azalea soil mix to create that acidity.

2. Sow spinach seeds in early spring or late summer for the best results. Spinach prefers cooler temperatures and will bolt (go to seed) in hot weather.

3. Provide consistent moisture to spinach plants, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.

4. Feed spinach plants with something high in nitrogen, every 3-4 weeks to promote healthy growth and prevent nutrient deficiencies. Bloodmeal is a great option as is a good liquid seaweed, or try some wool pellets.

5. Harvest spinach leaves when they are young and tender, picking the outer leaves first to encourage continued growth. Avoid letting the plants bolt, as this will make the leaves bitter.

Depending on your climate, you may want to very strategically choose your spinach varieties. Below are some recommendations for either warmer or cooler locations.

Three slow-to-bolt spinach varieties:

1. Bloomsdale Long Standing

2. Tyee

3. Indian Summer

Three frost-resistant spinach varieties:

1. Winter Bloomsdale

2. Olympia

3. Red Kitten

Lastly, harvest just a few leaves from each spinach plant with the “cut and come again” method to ensure a lengthy harvest. If you have an excess of spinach, steam and blanch it, then freeze in small balls to use in soups, smoothies, and quiches.