A Complete Guide to Growing Spinach Plant

Growing spinach is a great way to add fresh, nutrient-rich greens to your diet. Spinach is easy to grow and can be harvested multiple times throughout the growing season.

In this article, I will provide a complete guide to growing spinach, from understanding spinach varieties to troubleshooting common problems.

When should I plant spinach?

There are a few key factors to consider when deciding when to plant spinach. Spinach thrives in cooler temperatures and does best when daytime temperatures are between 60 and 70°F.

In many parts of the U.S., the best times to plant spinach from seed or seedlings are in early spring (March–May) and late summer through early fall (August–October). Spinach can also be grown in other seasons by choosing appropriate varieties.

For a spring crop, sow spinach seeds outdoors around 6 weeks before the last expected spring frost date in your area. This allows enough time for the spinach plants to develop before temperatures become too hot.

You can also plant a second crop of spinach in late summer for a fall harvest. Aim to plant your fall crop of spinach 6–8 weeks before the expected first fall frost. The cooler nights of early fall will help spinach grow quickly to maturity.

Some gardeners plant spinach for a summer crop as well by choosing heat-tolerant varieties. ‘Bloomsdale’ spinach is a good hot weather option.

It’s important to select varieties labeled “summer hardy” if attempting to grow spinach when temperatures get above 80°F. Proper site selection, with afternoon shade and irrigation, is also key to success.

Choosing the Best Variety of Spinach

There are many types of spinach. Consider them when choosing which to grow. The main categories are baby leaf spinach, semi-savoy, and savoy or winter spinach.

Baby leaf spinach varieties are also called salad spinach and produce tender, tasteful leaf greens that can be harvested within 3–4 weeks. Excellent varieties include ‘Space’, ‘Galactic’, and ‘Skyphos’. These types are ideal for harvesting small amounts of fresh salads.

Semi-savoy spinach has more crinkled leaves than flat types. But it isn’t as hearty as savoy spinach. They tend to mature more at around 5–6 weeks. ‘Bloomsdale’ is the most grown semi-savoy type, known for its heat tolerance.

Savoy, or winter spinach, has thick, crinkled leaves. The leaves hold up well in cold weather or overwintering. They have the strongest texture and flavor.

As the name implies, these types are best for planting in cool weather in the spring or fall. They can endure light frosts. ‘Winter Bloomsdale’ and ‘Medania’ are excellent choices for a fall/winter harvest.

Preparing Your Soil for Growing Spinach

Rich, well-draining soil is important for growing spinach with success. Loams and silt loams with a pH of 6.5-7 are best. But spinach will also grow in some clay and sandy soils if you make the right changes.

It’s a good idea to test your soil pH and nutrient levels 4-6 weeks before planting spinach. Spinach prefers soil with moderate nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium levels. If results show a need, add compost, aged manure, or natural fertilizers 2-4 weeks early.

Spinach grows well in raised beds, allowing for improved drainage during rain. Beds should be at least 12 inches deep to allow for deep root growth. If you are growing in a standard garden bed, try double-digging. This will further loosen and aerate heavy soils before planting.

Container gardeners can use potting mixes designed for vegetables. Choose a good-quality soil-based or soilless blend, depending on the container size. A 5-gallon bucket or larger is appropriate for growing a small spinach crop. Use a fast-draining potting mix to prevent root rot issues.

Planting Spinach Seeds and Seedlings

Now that your soil is ready, it’s time to get spinach seeds or seedlings into the ground. Direct seeding from seed is most common and cost-effective for planting large areas.

When direct seeding, rake the soil and sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, spacing them 1-2 inches apart in rows 12–18 inches apart. Baby leaf varieties can be planted as close as 1.2 inches. Thin seedlings later, once they emerge.

As an alternative, you can start seeds indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost for an earlier harvest. Sow seeds in a compost-rich seed starter. Keep it moist at 70°F. Transplant seedlings when they have 2 true leaves.

Transplants allow for a head start on the growing season. Buy starter plants or grow your own. Handle transplants by planting them at the same depth they were growing with soil firmed around the roots.

Water transplants after planting and provide shade for a few days as they adjust. Be sure to space transplants 6–12 inches based on the variety.

Thin seedlings or transplant spacing to 4–8 inches as needed to avoid overcrowding. Dense plantings lead to weaker growth and a higher risk of disease. Proper spacing maximizes leaf production potential.

Caring for Growing Spinach Plants

Once spinach seeds germinate or transplants take root,. The plants will need regular care to reach maturity. Proper watering, weeding, and monitoring for pests are key ongoing tasks.

Water spinach 1-2 times per week, applying 1 inch of water. The soil should be moist but not soggy or allowed to dry out. Use a mulch like straw to keep the soil moist in hot conditions.

Weeds compete with spinach for nutrients and water. Hand-pull any weeds near plants, being careful not to disturb shallow roots. Keeping a 2-3-inch weed-free area is ideal.

Spinach is a heavy feeder. So, use a balanced organic fertilizer or natural amendment like compost tea. Apply it every 3 weeks during active growth. Too much nitrogen can cause plants to bolt early.

Check for common pests and diseases like aphids, slugs, and downy mildew. Inspect leaves regularly and manually remove any infected growth if issues appear. Be proactive by maintaining good soil health and airflow.

Your spinach crop should flourish as long as you optimize conditions. Regular, gentle care ensures full, tasty leaves will form. They will develop for an abundant harvest in a few weeks.

Harvest Spinach Crop

With good growing conditions, you’ll soon enjoy a big harvest of homegrown spinach! Here are some tips for harvesting at peak freshness and quality:

• You can cut baby leaf varieties above the crown when the leaves are fully formed, about 3–4 inches tall. Cut often for cut-and-come-again harvests.
  
• For full-sized spinach, wait until most leaves are 3-5 inches long. Then, pick the largest outer leaves. Only harvest from one side at a time to leave foliage for continued growth.
  
• Savoy and winter types should grow to full size, about 6–8 inches tall, before you harvest them. To harvest, cut them above the soil or loose roots.
  
• Cut leaves with garden shears or a sharp knife in the cool mornings. This gives the leaves maximum nutrients and tenderness.
  
• Rinse harvests briefly in a bowl of cool water to remove any dirt or pests. Spin or pat the leaves dry.
  
• Put freshly picked spinach in the crisper drawer. Wrap it in a damp paper towel. It will stay fresh there for 5-7 days.
  

Growing Spinach in Containers

Gardening in pots is a great option if you lack garden space or live somewhere without direct access to outdoor soil. Spinach grows quite well in containers, with a few special considerations:

Choose varieties suited to pots. Baby leaf types are especially well-adapted as they stay small. Avoid vigorous, sprawling varieties.

Use a container 12 inches deep or larger. Spinach has a long taproot, so it needs adequate soil volume to develop properly. 5-gallon buckets work well.

Opt for a nutrient-rich potting mix. The mix should drain quickly while retaining moisture and nutrients, as spinach is a heavy feeder.

Locate containers in full sun. Spinach needs at least 6 hours of direct sun daily for optimal growth. Move pots as needed for sun exposure.

Water frequently. Spinach in containers dries out more rapidly than on the ground. Check the soil daily, and water thoroughly whenever the top inch is dry.

Feed weekly with diluted organic fertilizer. The concentrated nutrients replace what leaches more readily from container soil.

Watch for pests. Containers may be more susceptible to insect and disease issues. Inspect regularly and treat problems promptly.

Cooking and Eating Homegrown Common Spinach

Freshly harvested spinach from the garden invites many types of preparation and uses. Here are some popular ways to enjoy your homegrown crop:

• Eat raw baby spinach leaves in fresh salads for a nutrient-packed addition. Rinse well and spin dry or pat dry.
  
• Lightly sauté full-size leaves with a sprinkling of water in a skillet over medium-high heat just until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season as desired.
  
• Add raw baby spinach or full leaves to sandwiches, wraps, tacos or on top of pizza for extra nutrition.
  
• Blend fresh or cooked spinach into leafy green smoothies, soups or stews for added volume and nutrition.
  
• Fold wilted or simmered spinach into omelets, frittatas or quiches during baking.
  
• Bake creamed spinach by simmering leaves with cream or milk until very soft, then mashing to a puree. Top with breadcrumbs for extra flavor and texture.
  
• Freeze chopped spinach by blanching for 1-2 minutes, then cooling, packaging and freezing for year-round use.
  

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Growing spinach can be a rewarding experience, but sometimes problems can arise. Here are some common issues you may encounter and how to address them:

Diseases and Pests

One of the most common problems when growing spinach is pests and diseases. Aphids, leaf miners, and slugs are some of the most common pests that can damage spinach leaves. Spinach can also suffer from fungal diseases like downy mildew and powdery mildew.

To prevent pests and diseases, it is important to keep your spinach plants healthy. This means providing them with adequate water and nutrients.

You can also use organic or chemical-free pest control methods like neem oil, insecticidal soap, and diatomaceous earth. Handpicking larger pests, like slugs, can also be effective.

Environmental Stress Factors

Spinach is a cool-weather crop, and it can be sensitive to environmental stress factors like heat and drought. If the weather is too warm, spinach plants will bolt, which is a process where the plants form seeds because they think their growing cycle is almost done.

To avoid this, plant spinach in the cooler months or provide shade during the warmer months.

FAQs About Growing Spinach in the Garden

Conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, following the tips in this complete guide will help you successfully grow your own fresh spinach at home.

Just a small space can yield delicious, nutrient-dense leaves for your family throughout the seasons. With the right care, from seed sowing through harvesting, spinach is one of the most rewarding and productive greens to grow organically.

I hope this has provided all the information needed for a bountiful harvest.