How to Plant Spinach

Spinach, like most leafy greens, is simple to grow and care for. It is a cool weather plant that can be started as soon as the ground can be worked. Some varieties of spinach have been developed that are heat tolerant, so spinach can be grown in some areas all summer long.

Things You'll Need

• Prepared garden space
• Hoe or garden rake
• Spinach seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the garden space by tilling or hoeing until the soil is loose and free of clumps. Mix in compost or fertilizer if needed to build the soil.

2. Use the hoe or rake handle to make 1/4-inch furrows in the bed. These rows (or furrows) need to be at least 6 inches apart in small spaces or 12 inches in a wider space to allow for walking between the rows to thin or harvest.

3. Plant the seed several inches apart in the furrows. Use the back of the hoe or rake to lightly cover the seed. Water if the soil is extra dry and no rain is expected.

4. Thin the seedlings to approximately 1 plant every three to four inches. This allows for optimum growth.

5. Begin harvesting as soon as the leaves are large enough to eat. Spinach leaves can be cooked or eaten raw in salads.

Tips & Warnings

• Expensive baby spinach is the tender, young leaf of the spinach plant.

• Spinach can be grown in a container, either on a patio or in a windowsill.

• Spinach can be grown year round indoors in a sunny window.

• Allow a few of the spinach plants to mature and go to seed, for a second harvest of leaves during the summer.