When to plant
Strictly cool-season. Sow direct 4–6 weeks before last frost in spring, or start a fall crop 8–10 weeks before first fall frost. Spinach can handle light frost (down to -4°C) and actually tastes sweeter after a frost. It bolts quickly once temperatures stay above 24°C.
Soil & site
Spinach needs rich, fertile soil with plenty of nitrogen and consistent moisture. pH 6.5–7.0. Work in compost and a nitrogen-rich fertilizer before planting. Spinach is sensitive to acidic soil — if pH drops below 6.0, add garden lime 2–3 weeks before planting.
Feeding
Nitrogen is critical for spinach. Side-dress with blood meal or fish emulsion every 3–4 weeks. Pale or yellow-green leaves are a sign of nitrogen deficiency — a liquid nitrogen application will green them up within a week.
Common problems
Leaf miners (white squiggly tunnels in leaves — remove affected leaves, cover with row cover to prevent the fly). Bolting in heat — grow in spring/fall only and use heat-resistant varieties. Downy mildew (grey fuzz on undersides) in cool, wet conditions.
When to harvest
Harvest when leaves are 5–10 cm long (baby spinach) or up to 15 cm for mature leaves. Leaves should be deep green and unwilted. Avoid yellowish or limp leaves which indicate stress or over-maturity.
How to harvest
Harvest outer leaves from each plant using scissors, leaving the centre growing point. Or harvest the entire plant at once by cutting at soil level. For cut-and-come-again, leave at least 3–4 inner leaves per plant. Remove any yellow or damaged leaves immediately — they attract disease.
Storage & use
Fresh spinach keeps 3–5 days in the refrigerator in a sealed bag with a damp paper towel. For longer storage, blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes, cool in ice water, squeeze dry, and freeze in portions. Frozen spinach is perfect for smoothies, soups, and pasta.
Companion planting
Spinach and strawberries are great companions — spinach acts as a living mulch.
Useful for growing spinach
A few things that make this one easier — chosen for this plant, not a generic list.
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