Spinach is quick growing leafy crop, best grown in cool temperatures. The crop goes to seed quickly in hot weather. There are many cultivars, some suited to spring and autumn sowing, while others, can also be grown in summer.

Ideal Location- Spinach prefers light shade in the summer, making it a useful interplant, or grow on an open site with fertile soil that does not dry out easily, and in an unheated greenhouse or hoop house for early and late crops. Spinach can be grown in containers placed in light shade. Apply a low-fertility soil improver or a medium-fertility soil improver to poor soil. The ideal pH is 6.5-7.5.

Seed to Harvest- 7-13 weeks

Cultivation- Successional sowing of suitable cultivars can give a crop over a long period. Sow as the previous crop batch is coming through. The minimum germination temperature is 45F(7C) and the seeds will not germinate in temperatures over 86F(30C). When sowing undercover in spring and early autumn use cloches or sow in an unheated greenhouse or hoop house. In late spring and summer sow thinly in rows directly in the soil in late spring, early summer, and then again in early autumn.

Spacing- Rows 3in to 6in x 12 in (7 to 15cm x 30cm)- Block 6in (15cm)

Plant Care- Water in dry weather.

Problems- Powdery Mildew, but overall spinach is problem free since it grows so quickly

Harvesting- As soon as the spinach plants are over 2in (5cm) tall start picking individual leaves. Pull whole plants when they reach 6-8in (15-20cm) tall or cut 1in (2.5cm) above ground, they may re-sprout. Spinach rapidly turns to seed.. You can use it fresh or frozen.

Nutrients- Calorie for calorie, leafy green vegetables like spinach with its delicate texture and jade green color provide more nutrients than any other food. Spinach is a source for Vitamin A, B1,B2,B3, B6, C, K, Manganese, Folate, Iron, Magnesium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Copper, Zinc, selenium, tryptophan, dietary fiber, protein, and omega 3 fatty acids.