Spinach
Spinacia oleracea
A Basic Growing Guide
Description
Spinach is my favorite vegetable. Since I started growing it in my garden, my love has only grown because of a little anti-freezing plant process called hydrolysis. My spinach-loathing kids were shocked when they tried a leaf straight off the plant on a cold spring morning and exclaimed, “It tastes like candy!” Spinach is one of many cold weather plants that taste sweeter during cold weather because they convert stored starches into sugar through a process called hydrolysis. The extra sugar in the leaves keeps the plant cells from forming ice and damaging the leaf. I had to plant more after this because my kids hogged all the spinach candy!
Spinach is part of the Amaranth family, like beets and quinoa, and thrives in cool weather. In Tennessee, we can plant spinach in the fall and while the leaves are growing very slowly in the cold winter, the roots are growing strong to support larger plants in the spring. I’ve been using hoops and row cover for extra protection if the temps get below freezing, but I’ve had friends who were braver than I and their spinach survived much colder temperatures. It’s a great option for planting under broccoli, cauliflower and kale. While these plants are small, the spinach can cover the ground underneath to help suppress weeds, and by the time the larger plants crowd out the sun, the spinach season will almost be over.
Some Common Varieties
Arrowhead- Thick, pointed leaves with a mild flavor.
Smooth-leaf- Smooth, dark green leaves, slightly sweet. We like growing Olympia.
Savoyed- Also known as curly leaf spinach, these have crinkled leaves. We like Bloomsdale and Lavewa.
Red veined- Can have red veins, stems, or leaves.
Spinach Through The Season
Planting Instructions
Light Requirements
Prefers full sun (6+ hours per day) but tolerates partial shade, especially in warmer months.
When
In Middle Tennessee, plant spinach in early spring (February-March) or late summer (September-October) for a fall harvest and to over-winter.
Seed or Transplant?
Direct seed in the garden for best results. Transplants can be used but may struggle in hot weather.
Depth
Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep.
Spacing
Space plants 4-6 inches apart. For baby spinach, plant seeds closer together and thin as needed.
Growth Habit
Spinach grows in a low, bushy rosette, with leaves radiating outward from the center.
Tending
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Aim for 1-1.5 inches of water per week.
Common Pests and Treatments
Aphids: Small, green or black insects that cluster on new growth. Spray off with water. Repeat every few days if needed. If pests persist, you can treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Slugs and snails: Handpick or create slug traps by putting an orange peel or bowl upside down near the plants. In the morning, turn the trap over to find your slugs! Simply throw away or compost your orange peel slugs and all. You can also sprinkle slug bait around the base or your plants. This needs to be re-applied after rain.
Leaf Miners – Small larvae that tunnel inside leaves, leaving trails. Remove affected leaves and encourage beneficial insects.
Common Diseases and How to Treat
Downy Mildew: Yellow spots on leaves. Ensure good air circulation by removing lower leaves and pruning/harvesting the plants around it.
Feeding/Fertilizing
Spinach is a leafy green, so it loves nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Feed with compost tea or blood meal every 2-3 weeks.
Pruning
No need to prune, just harvest the outer leaves regularly to keep the plant productive.
Harvesting
When
Pick outer leaves regularly. When the weather warms, the plants will start to bolt (flower and go to seed), and the leaves will turn bitter.
How
Use scissors or handpick outer leaves at the base, allowing the inner leaves to keep growing.
For a full harvest, cut the whole plant just above the soil line, and it may regrow!
Then What?
Store fresh spinach in the refrigerator for up to 10 days in a sealed bag.
Blanch and freeze for long-term storage.
Spinach Recipes
Easy Uses: Toss your nutrient dense leaves into a salad, a smoothie, soup, or your scrambled eggs. Or just sauté with butttttttter. Yum. Spinach is the best.