Spinach
Spinacia oleracea
Spinach is a fast-growing leafy crop for cool UK weather. Sow in short runs through spring and late summer, keep the soil moist, and pick leaves regularly before plants run to seed in warm spells.
Growing Guide
Step-by-step instructions for growing Spinach
Planting Calendar
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Sow Small Batches
every 3 weeksSow a short row or patch around , using fresh seed every 21 days for a steady supply. Sow thinly in shallow drills about deep and keep the soil lightly moist until germination.
Thin Seedlings
When seedlings are large enough to handle, from , 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.
Check for Slugs
From , 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 regularly.
Keep Well Watered
From through , 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.
Harvest Leaves
Start picking from and keep going until . 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.
Companion Plants
Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Spinach.
Good companions
Plants to avoid
Why companion planting matters
Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.
Suggested Varieties
Popular varieties of Spinach to consider
Toscane
A popular savoy-leaved spinach with dark, crinkled leaves and good flavour for repeated picking.
Apollo
A hardy, bolt-resistant variety suited to cool-weather sowing and useful for early and late crops.
Andromeda
A smooth-leaved spinach with a steady habit and useful field performance for home gardens.
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