Soil
Rich soil that has been generously amended with fully composted manure or another high-nitrogen compost. Use raised beds in clay soil.
Position
Sun to partial shade.
Frost tolerant
Yes, survives winter with mulch in many climates.
Feeding
Not needed for spring crops grown in rich soil, but older plants benefit from feeding with a liquid feed in spring, when they show vigorous new growth.
Companions
Cilantro, Celery, Cauliflower, Eggplant, Strawberry, Chinese Cabbage and Cabbage.
Spacing
Single Plants: 7″ (20cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 7″ (20cm) with 11″ (30cm) row gap (minimum)
Sow and Plant
Easy to grow from seeds sown in spring, one-half inch deep and 2 inches apart. Also can be started indoors and moved outside under cloches in early spring.
Notes
Keep well watered. Spinach grows tall and goes to seed when days become long and hot. Grow a second crop in the fall.
Harvesting
Pick individual leaves, or allow plants to grow into dense, leafy rosettes.
Troubleshooting
Slow growth and yellowing leaves indicate nutritional stress. Drench with a water soluble plant food.
