Spinach is a highly nutritional vegetable, rich in protein and vitamin A. Like the lettuce
it is quick growing and requires a minimum amount of care, by a succession of sowing you could
have a supply of spinach through out most of the year. There are many different varieties of
spinach, some suitable for winter and some for the summer months. Summer spinach
can be prone to bolting, but with sensible watering this can be avoided. Equally important
to avoid this problem, never let the plants become overcrowded.
A warm sheltered spot is required for winter grown varieties, in contrast summer varieties
prefer a cool shady site. Spinach prefers a fairly rich, light loam rich in lime, so avoid acid soil types.
Due to the quick growth of the spinach it makes them an idea catch crop, grown in between slower
crops.
Start sowing seeds under cloches in late winter, continue successional sowing until mid summer.
There will be no need for the cloche when the risk of frosts has gone. Sow seeds very thinly in drills
about 2.5cms deep, cover the soil with a rake and lightly water if the soil is dry.
When the seedlings reach between 2.5-5cms high thin to a distance of 12.5-15cms apart. Hoe
regularly throughout the summer months, this fine tilth creates a dust mulch which helps conserve
moisture.
As soon as the plants reach reach a reasonable size harvesting can begin, this is done by picking
only a few leaves from each plant at one time, over picking can kill the plant.
