Growing Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
How To Grow Spinach
Spinach has to be the perfect plant for the Northwest, as it LOVES our climate. Therefore, we love spinach, and plant it every 3 weeks for a continuous supply.
Planting Spinach
As usual, add a good amount of compost and some organic fertilizer to the soil before planting. Sow seeds 1/2" deep and keep them evenly moist until they germinate.
Spinach will over-winter quite nicely, so we tend to plant more than usual in the Fall.
Caring For Spinach
Thin to 8" after they have at least 1 true leaf. If the leaves are turning yellow, you can give them a boost of organic fertilizer. Otherwise, just let them grow.
Don't over water as they can pick up funky molds, we let the bed dry out slightly in-between waterings. However, if you let them dry out too much they could bolt.
Harvesting Spinach
If your kids won't eat store bought spinach, have them try spinach from the garden! You might be surprised!
When the leaves look big and tasty, you can cut the plant about an inch above the soil and it should re-sprout for a second crop!
Spinach Pests
Symphylans, Aphids, Flea Beetles
Spinach Diseases
Downy mildew, White Rust, Leaf Spot
Spinach Varieties
Bloomsdale, America, Olympia, Tyee, Slow Bolt
Tips For Growing Spinach
Too much Nitrogen can give the leaves a funny taste, so only fertilize when absolutely necessary.
Organic Bloomsdale Spinach - 60 Seeds, 6g
