Spinach Garden Guide

Spinach Stat Summary

Plant Spacing: 3" (76 mm)
Row Spacing: 12" (304 mm)
Planting Depth: 1/2" (12 mm)
Plants Per Person: 4
Soil Temperature: 55-65°F (13-18°C)
Days to Emergence: 6-21
Recommended Soil PH: 6.5-7.5
Earliest Outdoor Planting: Before Last Frost
Can direct seed outdoors

Planting Spinach

Well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter. Spinach tolerates slightly alkaline soils but is sensitive to acid soils; pH should be 6.5 to 7.5. It is best grown in cooler temperatures when the soil has reached at least 60 degrees F. Direct sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows at least 1 foot apart. Thin seedlings to 3 inches between plants. Transplanting spinach seedlings is difficult.

Growing Spinach

If growth is slow or the plants are light green, side-dress with a nitrogen fertilizer. Plentiful and uniformly consistent moisture is ideal for spinach. Mulch after plants are well established to maintain moisture and suppress weeds. If soil pH drops below 6.0, leaf tips turn a yellowish brown; adding lime to the soil will raise the soil pH.

Harvesting and Storing Spinach

For baby greens, harvest when leaves are 3 to 4 inches. To harvest cut the whole plant just below the crown; remove any old, dirty or yellowed leaves. Rinse in cold water and store at 32 degrees F with 95% humidity; handle carefully to avoid bruising. Individual leaves may be harvested anytime.

Spinach Insect and Disease Information

Use floating row covers to prevent insect damage. Blight, downy mildew and other fungal leaf diseases are a problem, especially in seasons that are wet and humid; well draining soil is important.

Spinach Yield Information

Seasonal differences between varieties can be significant.