How to Grow Spinach

Planning the crop
English spinach (Spinacea oleracea) is a cool-climate vegetable that tends to bolt (run to seed) in warm weather. In warm climates sow in early autumn for late autumn to winter harvest. In cooler districts, grow through summer; plants will benefit from the shade cast by neighbouring plants’ leaves. Spinach is a fast-growing green leafy vegetable that needs a generously composted, moist but well-drained soil. It grows poorly in very acid soils; use dolomite to raise the soil pH to around 6.5. Two weeks before sowing any type of spinach, rake a pelleted balanced organic fertiliser into the soil.

How much to grow- Sow a 3.5–4.5 m row of round-seeded summer spinach every three weeks for a succession of leaves through summer.

Varieties- Smooth- and savoy-leaved varieties are available, as are cold-hardy varieties grown into winter in cool climates.

Sigmaleaf- Does not run to seed as quickly as most varieties; savoy-leaved; early-maturing.

Viroflay- Vigorous, deep green variety.

Winter Bloomsdale- A cold-resistant, early-maturing variety; dark green.

Other spinach-like species

Malabar, or Ceylon, spinach or basella- (Basella alba) A scrambling perennial climber for warm to tropical areas, with thick, succulent, delicious leaves.

Good King Henry or Mercury- (Chenopodium bonus-henricus) Closely related to spinach; tender, excellently flavoured leaves.

Mountain spinach or orach- (Atriplex hortensis) A hardy annual and excellent warm-climate spinach substitute; the seeds are used in baked goods.

Tree spinach- (Chenopodium giganteum) Much used in Asian cuisine. The very popular Magenta Spreen variety is a revived 19th-century favourite with delicate pink and magenta leaves and red, berry-like fruit clusters borne up on stems.

Water spinach- (Ipomoea aquatica) A popular warm to tropical crop, easily grown in a pond.

Chinese spinach, tampala or leaf amaranth- A wonderfully productive annual for warm climates.

Growing tips
In cool-climate areas make the first sowing of round-seeded spinach in early spring. Continue sowing every three weeks until midsummer. In warm districts sow in early autumn. Sow seeds thinly in drills 2.5 cm deep and 30–40 cm apart. Thin to 15 cm apart two weeks after emerging, and to 30 cm apart three weeks later. Use the second thinnings in cooking. Water plants liberally and regularly, especially during dry spells, to reduce the risk of the plants running to seed. Also mulch rows of summer-grown spinach. Regular fortnightly feeding with diluted seaweed liquid fertilizer promotes lush, healthy growth.

Pests and diseases
Spinach may be attacked by aphids. Cucumber mosaic virus (spinach blight), downy mildew, leaf spot and shothole are the most likely diseases.

Harvesting and storing
Harvesting usually begins within 50 days of sowing, or when plants are large enough. Always pick the outer leaves.
 

From: Grow Your Own Fruit & Vegetables The Easy Way