Spinach
WHERE TO PLANTSpinach is cool season vegetable that can tolerate colder weather and frosts. Spinach is a great choice for container gardens. Planted in a few pots in a sunny spot on a deck or patio will provide plenty of fresh leaves for the average family. To transplant spinach seedlings, dig holes 15cm apart and make them as deep as the seedling cups. Carefully remove the seedlings from their trays and place them into the holes so that the top of the root ball is even with the top of the garden soil. Backfill with soil and press down lightly around each plant. After transplanting, water the seedlings in well.
SOIL CONDITIONSSpinach needs full to part-sun and moist, organically rich soil. Spinach does not grow well in highly acidic soils and adding lime to your soil may be necessary. If your soil has a high level of organic matter, fertilizer is not necessary; if not, a fertilizer high in nitrogen should be mixed into the soil during planting.
MAINTENANCEKeeping the soil most is important when growing spinach. This serves two purposes – it allows the plants to absorb moisture from the soil and it also cools down the soil. Spinach plants tend to bolt quickly in hot weather. By keeping the soil moist and cool, you can prolong the harvest season, giving you more spinach leaves to pick. Placing top mulch down will help to conserve moisture.
HARVESTINGYour individual preference will determine when you harvest the leaves. Some people prefer to eat smaller leaves, others larger. The key to harvesting spinach leaves is picking the leaves from the outside of the plant, and allowing the centers to grow larger. This keeps the plants healthy so they are able to keep producing more leaves.
COMPANION PLANTSBeans, *Brassica family, Celery, Onions, Peas, Strawberries.