Spinach has been grown for centuries from ancient Persia across Europe and into gardens around the world. Few crops capture the freshness of the cool-season garden quite like its tender green leaves, gathered when the air is still crisp and the soil holds spring moisture.
Varieties may have smooth, semi-savoyed, or deeply crinkled leaves. Spinach grows quickly in cool weather, but lengthening days and heat soon encourage it to flower, making careful timing the key to a sweet and generous harvest.
Growing Guide
Timing
Direct sow spinach about 4–6 weeks before the expected last spring frost, once the soil can be worked. Seeds germinate in soil as cool as about 40°F, though emergence is faster near 50°F.
Make small sowings every 1–2 weeks while conditions remain cool. For fall harvest, sow as summer heat begins to ease. Established plants tolerate frost well, and late plantings may overwinter beneath mulch or protection for an early spring harvest.
Sowing & Starting
Sow seeds about ½ inch deep and 1–2 inches apart. Keep the soil evenly moist until seedlings emerge, which commonly takes 7–14 days depending on temperature.
Thin plants to about 3–4 inches apart for mature leaves, or leave them closer for baby-leaf harvest. Spinach is usually best direct sown because seedlings have delicate roots and may be slow to recover from transplanting.
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