Spinaches in Watergate

Sow a short row or patch around 22nd January - 7th April, using fresh seed every 21 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 14th 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 7th 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 7th March - 4th April regularly.

From 14th March through 29th 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 4th April and keep going until 23rd February. 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.