![]() Roots are shallow at this stage, so be careful when thinning. Better spacing also decreases the plant's susceptibility to disease and pests. Failure to thin out seedlings can result in stunted growth and premature bolting. Again, check the seed packet for specific varietal recommendations. Spinach plants need four to six inches of space to develop properly. Thin out the plants as they reach two inches in height. Moisture on the leaves can encourage fungal diseases. When you must supplement with irrigation, water the soil, not the plant leaves. When spinach bolts, it sends up a strong central stem to produce seed, and it becomes bitter and inedible. Try to keep the soil consistently moist because spinach will bolt if the soil dries out. ![]() ![]() Optimum growing temperature is 50⁰ F to 60⁰ F, but young seedlings can tolerate temperatures as low as 15⁰ F to 20⁰ F. Keep the cover on until the weather warms. During light rainy days, remove the plastic cover for a good soaking. Within 7 to 10 days, the first signs of sprouting usually appear as the cotyledon (seed leaves) emerge. The plastic cover serves as a greenhouse, encouraging leaf growth on those early spring days. A framework over the bed keeps the plastic from direct contact with the spinach and prevents stem damage if snow, rain or ice builds up on the plastic cover. When planting in early spring, shelter the seeds with a clear polypropylene cover over the raised bed for the first few weeks. Understanding the relationship of spinach to temperature is critical to achieving success. Two crops per year can be achieved! Many home gardeners have become discouraged growing spinach because they start too late in the spring. Recommendations are to plant spinach about four to eight weeks before your average last frost date in the spring and six to eight weeks before the average first frost date in the fall. Spinach seeds germinate best in a soil temperature of 45⁰ F to 68⁰F. One key to successfully growing spinach is to plant the seeds when soil temperatures are cool. You can grow spinach in a container, but choose varieties specifically suited to it, a container large enough for it, and a nutrient-rich soilless potting mix. If you are following intensive gardening plans, such as Mel Bartholomew's square foot gardening, plant 9 seeds per square foot. Sow the seeds ½ inch deep two inches apart, in rows 12 to 18 inches apart. Mature spinach has a long taproot, so loosen the soil to between 12 and 18 inches. Mini-till or spade the ground and level it off with a rake. Prepare the planting bed by amending the soil with rich compost or aged manure. Spinach likes full sun but will tolerate partial shade. A raised bed with good drainage is perfect for growing an early spring crop since the soil warms quickly and can be worked following just a few warm days. Always check the seed packet for specific varietal recommendations. For best results, use fresh seeds as the germination rate for this crop deteriorates quickly. Select a variety of spinach for growing and a garden area for planting. Spinach is versatile in the kitchen and packs a powerhouse of nutrients: iron potassium magnesium vitamins A, B6, B9, C and E and lutein. ![]() Spinach stores well in the refrigerator or can be blanched and frozen for later use. The many varieties of spinach include smooth-leaf, savoy or curly leaf, arrowhead, and savory. Spinach ( Spinacia oleracea) is a vitamin-rich, delicious, leafy green that is best grown in the cool weather of either spring or fall.
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