Spinaches in Mayon

Sow a short row or patch around 11th February - 4th March, using fresh seed every 14 days for a steady supply. Sow thinly in shallow drills about 2–3 cm deep and keep the soil lightly moist until germination.

When seedlings are large enough to handle, from 7th March, thin them to the final spacing so each plant has room to make broad leaves. Use scissors rather than pulling if the roots are tangled, and water the row after thinning.

From 5th March, watch young plants closely and clear slugs and snails by hand, traps, or a simple barrier. They can strip a row in one night, especially in damp weather, so check at 5th March - 28th March regularly.

From 7th March through 22nd April, keep the soil evenly moist so the plants stay tender and do not bolt early. Water at the base in dry spells, and give container-grown plants extra attention because they dry out fast.

Start picking from 28th March and keep going until 12th May. Take outer leaves for cut-and-come-again harvesting, or cut the whole plant just above the crown if you want a single larger crop.