Spinach is a quick-maturing, cool-season crop of high nutritional value. It can be grown early in spring and from late fall into winter. Hot summer days cause it to bolt. Some varieties will mature as early as 20 to 40 days after sowing under favorable weather conditions. Spinach is well-adapted to winter production in cold frames.
Varieties differ in seed type (smooth- or round- vs. prickly- seeded) and in leaf type (smooth vs. savoy-leaves). The round-seeded types are most popular.
Sow seeds around March 1 in rows spaced 12 to 18 inches apart. Start fall seeding between August 15 and September 1. Thin plants to stand 4 to 6 inches apart in rows. It is important to firm soil over the rows so there is good contact with seed for high germination. Spinach grows best with ample moisture and fertile, well-drained soil.
Cut whole plants at the soil surface when they reach 4 to 6 inches in diameter. Making successive plantings is better than removing only outer leaves, allowing inner leaves to make additional growth. Use or place in the refrigerator in plastic bags immediately after harvest to preserve freshness.
