Spinaches in New Polzeath

Sow a short row or patch around 5th February - 26th February, 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 1st 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 27th February, 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 27th February - 22nd March regularly.

From 1st March through 16th 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 22nd March and keep going until 6th 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.