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The Gardener's Spot
Spinach
Plant Information
Origin: Asia
Sci. Name: Spinacia Oleracea
Family: Beet
Sow'n
Swoing Depth: 1/2 in (13 mm)
Indoors: 6-8 wks Before Last Frost
Outdoors: 3-4 wks Before Last Frost
Spacing: 12-18 in (30-45 mm)
Days To Germination: 7-14
Seed Life: 3 Years
Grow'n
Watering: Light
Sunshine: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Height: 18 in (45 cm)
Width: 18 in (45 cm)
Nutrient levels: N-mod, P-mod, K-mod
Companion Plants: Cabbage family, celery, legumes, lettuce, onion, pea, radish and strawberry
Bad Companions: Potatoes
Sci. Name: Spinacia Oleracea
Family: Beet
Sow'n
Swoing Depth: 1/2 in (13 mm)
Indoors: 6-8 wks Before Last Frost
Outdoors: 3-4 wks Before Last Frost
Spacing: 12-18 in (30-45 mm)
Days To Germination: 7-14
Seed Life: 3 Years
Grow'n
Watering: Light
Sunshine: Full Sun/Partial Shade
Height: 18 in (45 cm)
Width: 18 in (45 cm)
Nutrient levels: N-mod, P-mod, K-mod
Companion Plants: Cabbage family, celery, legumes, lettuce, onion, pea, radish and strawberry
Bad Companions: Potatoes
Overview:
Spinach may be best known by some as the 'super food' Popeye the Sailor ate to get super strength and save Olive Oyl from the evil Bluto. Although the benefits of spinach were greatly exaggerated, it is very nutritious and packed with vitamins, particularly Vitamin A. Native to Persia, it was introduced to China around 647 A.D. and wasn't introduced into Europe until around 100 A.D. through Spain, by the Moors. It is a simple garden vegetable to grow, and well worth the garden space.
Planting and Growing:
Spinach grows best in cool weather at the beginning and end of the season. Sow directly outdoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost or as soon as the soil can be worked. Fall crops can be planted 6 to 8 weeks before the first frost date. Sow in small succession plantings, spaced about 10 days apart.
Thin seedlings to one plant every 12 to 18 inches (30 to 42 cm). They can be grown in full sun or in partial shade. In the summer, plants will produce longer if shaded by a companion plant, as the warm weather turns the taste bitter and will cause the plant to bolt.
Plant the spinach in fertile, loose soil that has been enriched in the fall with 1 inch (2.5 cm) organic compost. If Spinach receives too much nitrogen, it will have a sharp, metallic flavor. Only add nitrogen if the leaves turn a pale green or yellow color. Spinach also only needs light, even watering.
Harvesting and Preserving:
Begin harvesting spinach as soon the leaves are big enough to use. It can also harvest by cutting 1-inch (2.5 cm) above the soil to encourage a new plant to re-grow. Spinach leaves do not store long, so use the plant when it is harvested. Store unused leaves immediately in the refrigerator in unsealed bags.
Spinach may be best known by some as the 'super food' Popeye the Sailor ate to get super strength and save Olive Oyl from the evil Bluto. Although the benefits of spinach were greatly exaggerated, it is very nutritious and packed with vitamins, particularly Vitamin A. Native to Persia, it was introduced to China around 647 A.D. and wasn't introduced into Europe until around 100 A.D. through Spain, by the Moors. It is a simple garden vegetable to grow, and well worth the garden space.
Planting and Growing:
Spinach grows best in cool weather at the beginning and end of the season. Sow directly outdoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost or as soon as the soil can be worked. Fall crops can be planted 6 to 8 weeks before the first frost date. Sow in small succession plantings, spaced about 10 days apart.
Thin seedlings to one plant every 12 to 18 inches (30 to 42 cm). They can be grown in full sun or in partial shade. In the summer, plants will produce longer if shaded by a companion plant, as the warm weather turns the taste bitter and will cause the plant to bolt.
Plant the spinach in fertile, loose soil that has been enriched in the fall with 1 inch (2.5 cm) organic compost. If Spinach receives too much nitrogen, it will have a sharp, metallic flavor. Only add nitrogen if the leaves turn a pale green or yellow color. Spinach also only needs light, even watering.
Harvesting and Preserving:
Begin harvesting spinach as soon the leaves are big enough to use. It can also harvest by cutting 1-inch (2.5 cm) above the soil to encourage a new plant to re-grow. Spinach leaves do not store long, so use the plant when it is harvested. Store unused leaves immediately in the refrigerator in unsealed bags.
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