Spinach
A nutritious and versatile leafy green, best grown in spring and autumn. Can be harvested young for salads or mature for cooking.
Spinach seeds
£1.79 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
March – May for spring/summer crop; August – September for autumn/winter crop, direct sow
Plant out
Thin seedlings to 10-15cm (4-6") apart
Harvest
May – October, from 6-8 weeks after sowing
Conditions
Sun
Partial shade (especially in summer) to full sun
Water
Keep soil consistently moist to prevent bolting
Soil
Rich, moisture-retentive, well-drained, pH 6.0–7.5
Spacing
10-15cm (4-6") between plants; 30cm (12") between rows
Containers
Good for pots and window boxes
Indoors
Can be grown in a cool, bright conservatory or greenhouse during winter
Care and harvest
Feeding
Not usually necessary if soil is fertile; a balanced liquid feed can boost growth
Pruning
Remove yellowing leaves
Harvesting
Pick outer leaves individually (cut-and-come-again) or harvest entire plants
Storage
Wash, dry, and store in an airtight container or bag in the fridge for up to a week
Good companions: Strawberries, Cabbage, Peas