When to plant Spinach in Oxford

Sow a short row from 13th March - 14th September. Sow another small batch every 14 days. Sow thinly about 2.5 cm deep, in rows about 20 cm apart. Keep the soil lightly moist until it germinates. In warm weather give the row a little light shade.

• Fleece or a cloche helps if the soil is still cold.

After each sowing, once seedlings are large enough to handle, thin to 15 cm apart. Use scissors if the roots are tangled. Water the row after thinning.

From 25th March, watch young plants for slugs, snails, and birds. Hand-pick slugs or use a barrier. They can strip a row in one night, especially in damp weather.

• If the bed is overcrowded or stays humid, watch for downy mildew on the leaves. Thin so air can move through.

From 27th March through 29th October, keep the soil evenly moist so the plants stay tender and do not bolt. Water at the base in dry spells. In warm weather a little light shade helps. Give pots extra water; they dry out fast.

Start picking from 17th April and keep going until 29th October. Take outer leaves, or cut just above the crown for one larger crop.

• A cloche can keep plants picking later.