HOW TO GROW: Spinach

Healthy, delicious, versatile – and, easy to grow! There’s lots to love about this humble little leaf

Spinach is an excellent vegetable for dependable harvests all year round, providing fresh, flavourful leaves when other crops are no longer available. Originally native to ancient Persia, spinach later spread to China, where it became widely cultivated. In parts of the Far East it is still referred to as the ‘Persian green’. Its versatility makes it a popular addition to many dishes, from pasta and tarts to stews and salads. Both summer and winter varieties are available, with winter cultivars capable of being overwintered if given sufficient protection.

Selecting the right type is important, as most spinach varieties are best sown either in spring or autumn. That said, some easy-to-grow types can be sown in both seasons. To supply a family of four, allow around 9m of growing space, planting at a density of six plants per 30cm. Winter spinach performs best in a sunny location, while summer varieties benefit from some light shade.

GETTING STARTED

Once you’ve chosen your variety, prepare the soil ahead of sowing. Clear the area of weeds and large stones, then dig in generous amounts of garden compost or well-rotted manure. This will help prevent the leaves from developing a bitter flavour.

For summer spinach, sow seeds from early spring through to mid-June. Place them 2.5cm apart in drills 1cm deep, then cover lightly with soil and water thoroughly. To ensure a steady harvest, sow a new row every three weeks, spacing rows about 30cm apart.

Winter varieties should be sown from late summer to early autumn. Seeds typically germinate in 10 days or longer. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging, which can cause seedlings to rot. When plants reach around 2cm in height and are easy to handle, thin them out to 7.5cm apart, keeping the strongest plants.

CARING FOR YOUR CROPS

To help spinach grow well, regular care is essential. Water plants thoroughly during dry summer periods and keep the soil weed-free. Apply a high-nitrogen liquid fertiliser every two weeks to support healthy leaf growth.

From October onwards, winter spinach will need protection from frost. Use cloches or horticultural fleece to shield plants from cold damage.

POTENTIAL PESTS AND PROBLEMS

Spinach is attractive to birds, particularly pigeons. Protect your crop with netting or horticultural fleece, ensuring it is securely fixed and pulled tight.

Another common issue is bolting, where plants flower and produce seed instead of leaves. This is usually triggered by stress, such as drought or sudden cold. Choosing bolt-resistant varieties and maintaining evenly moist soil will help reduce the risk.

Spinach downy mildew is a disease that thrives in mild, humid conditions, causing leaves to develop a felt-like texture and become unpalatable. Good spacing between plants improves air circulation, and watering at

soil level rather than overhead helps prevent infection. If mildew is a recurring problem, opt for resistant varieties.

HARVEST TIME

Spring-sown spinach is typically ready to harvest after about 12 weeks. Leaves can be picked continuously once they reach a usable size. Always harvest from the outer leaves, taking care not to disturb the roots. Frequent, light picking encourages further growth.

Summer varieties can be harvested from late May through to October, while winter spinach provides leaves from October until April. If you’re unable to use the leaves immediately, surplus spinach can be frozen in sealed bags or containers for later use.