|
Spinach is intolerant of heat and "bolts" easily unless you plant specific heat-tolerant varieties. Spinach can be Savoy (curly)-leafed or smooth-leafed and is a delicious additive to soups, sandwiches, smoothies and salads. Hardiness Zones: 5-10 (Find your hardiness zone.) When to Plant: Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep directly into the garden in very early spring with successive plantings every few weeks to extend your harvest. Conditions: Rich, moisture-retentive soil in full sun to partial shade is ideal, although spinach can grow in almost any soil that is mixed well with generous amounts of compost. Space Needed: Allow 12 inches between rows and 6 inches between plants. Maintenance: Being heat-intolerant, spinach can tolerate some shade and actually prefers it in the hottest part of the summer. Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer once or twice throughout the season for maximum growth. Weed and water the area well, mulching under the plants to encourage maximum moisture retention. When to Harvest: Harvest the outer leaves when they reach your desired size. Harvesting only the outside leaves encourages a steady pattern of growth. Alternatively, you can harvest entire plants at once. Average Yield: A 6-foot row of spinach will yield 5-6 pounds over a summer. Continuous Yield: Yes Life Cycle: Annual Difficulty Rating (1-5): 1  |
