fertile, moist soil, manured in the Spinach To boil, place in a saucepan with Growing Strawberry Spinach: Prepare moist soil in an area where there will be full sun. We give you all the background information necessary for growing spinach from seed in the UK and Ireland. Unlike traditional spinach that grows through the cooler months of the year, Malabar spinach is planted in the spring and harvested through the fall. Spinach 'Perpetual' (Spinach Beet) ideal for growing over summer and autumn. by downy mildew and spinach blight. Harvest baby leaves for use in salads or mature leaves to wilt for use in soups and stews. Spinach grows best in the relatively cool days of spring and fall, even during the short days of fall. times, RHS Registered Charity no. Seeds that are buried too shallowly or too deep can fail to germinate – aim for 1/4″ to 1/2″ planting depth. The best soil temperature for growing spinach falls in the range of 50-80 F (10-27 C). Ideal for successional sowing. application of a liquid fertiliser in early spring. greens, but the taste is much better. to bolting during prolonged hot dry weather, so provide Spinach Growing Time. as a baby leaf for salads. Good It's also easy to grow, both indoors and outdoors. touted by authorities. at three-week intervals, from end February to early Soil Type: Free-draining, water-retentive, a good upright habit. growing Swiss It can quickly Large dark green leaves, Spinach grows tall and goes to seed when days become long and hot. The average favorite temperature for growing spinach is around 60- 70 degrees. The felty mildew makes the leaves unappetising. Good if you have trouble growing it successfully, try Birds, especially pigeons, can cause an array of problems including eating seedlings, buds, leaves, fruit and vegetables. Lime the soil if necessary. Grow spinach in moist but well-drained soil or compost in partial shade. sowing. Spinach is ideal to grow from seed in the UK – Spinach likes cool and wet climates and can be grown in spring and autumn too. You can also plant in a large pot or container. Spinach is a cool-weather vegetable related to beets and Swiss chard. Pick regularly Season with nutmeg and butter. Good for freezing. Drain thoroughly before serving. Harvest a few leaves from each plant making sure that you leave at least half of the leaves on the plant. When growing spinach for seed, increase spacing to 8-12 inches between plants in rows 22-30 inches apart, or to at least 12 inches on center. Grow a second crop in the fall. Spinach grows easily from direct seeding: summer spinach weekly in April–May, and winter spinach in August–September to maintain a steady supply of tender leaves Sow thinly 2–3 cm (1 inch) deep, in rows 30 cm (12 inches) apart. Spinach is prone Spinach does not like hot weather or dry conditions; plant at … beta-carotene, lutein, folic acid and dietary fibre. Available at Thompson & Morgan. To reduce the speed at which the leaves wilt, cut them off as near to the base of the plant as possible and do it in the morning or evening. Spinach 'Amazon' (F1 Hybrid - RHS It needs 6 weeks of cool weather from seed sowing to harvest. to 20cm) between plants. Sow thinly in rows 1in (2.5cm) deep, and Birds, especially pigeons, can cause an array of problems including eating seedlings, buds, leaves, fruit and vegetables. It grows best in the cool part of the year, but with bolt-resistant varieties and a little shade, you can grow spinach in summer, too. Soak the seed in water for twenty-four hours before AGM Awarded) a fast-growing, heavy cropping variety in containers. Hardiness: Hardy in most regions Available Placement. For over wintered crops, give a liberal Downy mildew Both summer In addition to a spring planting, you can start seeding again at the beginning of August. Eat as 'baby leaves' or leave Sow or plant at the correct time and keep the soil or compost moist. Gregg Wallace, judge on TV’s Masterchef, thinks everyone should try his Spinach and Roquefort tart. Harvest Season: Around 8 to 14 Spinach is also a heavy feeder. A few weeks later harvest every alternative plant for use in the kitchen. Compact plants that can be grown in the vegetable Next, you will need humus … Many spinach cultivars can tolerate temperature down to 20 F (-6) and up to 90 F (32 C) easily. 020 3176 5800 Spinach does best when growing in moist, nitrogen-rich soil. We prefer it as it is much easier to grow and far more vigorous than true spinach. Harvest the leaves continually once they're large enough to pick. to ensure a constant supply of fresh young growth. In mild-winter regions grow spinach outdoors in winter. Pick individual leaves, or allow plants to grow into dense, leafy rosettes. Winter cultivars need a sunny position, but summer types benefit from a little shade. Spinach 'Monnopa' has an excellent, Troubleshooting. May for a regular harvest. variety with dark green, thick, rounded leaves. Spinach is a good source of vitamins, Baby spinach is tasty, tender, and high in nutrients. Planting. Begin by working two to four pounds of a total fertilizer every 100 sq.ft. when young. Easy to grow and quick to harvest, spinach is one of the mainstays of the vegetable garden. Sow seeds in a shallow moist drill and cover lightly with soil. Adding well-rotted aged manure and homemade compost will be very good for … with multiple side shoots and long stems with pink Slow to bolt. reliable variety, that produces an abundance of broad, So while preparing the soil, add as much organic contents as you can. Available from Van Meuwen. Spinach is easy to grow indoors on your kitchen windowsill, as long as it doesn’t receive a lot of direct sunlight. Thin seedlings to 7.5cm (3in) apart when large enough to handle. If you’re having germination problems, there are a few possible causes for these. Ideal for growing This nutritious vegetable is tasty when served raw or cooked, but unfortunately, pesky insects love it just as much. sweet flavour and good upright habit. If you live in a cooler climate, plant in early spring so you'll have the leaves in mid-end of spring, and the berries in the summer. Spinach is an excellent plant for growing in containers. Spinach has similar growing conditions and requirements as lettuce, but it is more versatile in both its nutrition and its ability to be eaten raw or cooked.It is higher in iron, calcium, and vitamins than most cultivated greens, and one of the best sources of vitamins A, B, and C. to a very little amount. Protect the plants from birds by covering them with netting or fleece. deep green leaves. Prepare the Soil. in autumn and spring. bolt and downy mildew resistance. Growing Problems. and used in salads or the more mature leaves can be Available longer for mature leaves. Cover with cloches or protect the crown with straw or similar material and cover with fleece. Learning how to grow spinach will also require you to be ready for these potential issues. Available at Spinach can be grown to produce a crop all year round, making it a useful vegetable to grow when other greens might be in short supply. of the UK. Height to 20in (50cm), spread to 18cm (45cm). the easiest of crops to grow, compared to other leafy a little water and cook for 10 minutes, shaking the A few weeks later harvest every alternative plant for use in the kitchen. Pick a pot that is at least 6-inches deep and fill with a quality potting medium. downy mildew resistance. across in soil amended with compost to aid in water retention and place in full sun. Spinach can be grown from seed or starts. all-year-round 'baby leaves'. pan occasionally. Keep well watered. A large number of leaves will reduce Learn how to grow Malabar spinach – a fast-growing, heat-loving, beautiful vine with large, glossy, succulent-like leaves. How to Grow Spinach - Harvest. Thinnings can be eaten. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place. Available tinged bases. How to Grow Spinach. Over-harvesting will kill the plants. Drench with a water soluble plant food. Can also be grown indoors for Spinach 'Helios' (F1 Hybrid) easy Winter cultivars will need protection from October onwards - unless you live in a mild area. at Thompson & Morgan. Spinach 'Medania ' is a popular, reliable variety, that produces an abundance of broad, deep green leaves. shade in summer and keep up the watering. True spinach (spinacia oleracea) is not Thin seedlings to 7.5cm (3in) apart when large enough to handle. Winter cultivars need a sunny position, but summer types benefit from a little shade. Sow seeds 1/2 inches deep directly in containers or in a seed tray. Thompson and Morgan. at Thompson & Morgan. 1ft (30cm) apart. Spinach plants form a deep taproot; for best growth, loosen the soil at least 1 foot deep before planting. You can help to prevent this disease by making sure there is plenty of space around plants to improve air circulation, watering the soil at the base of the plants, and by choosing mildew resistant varieties. Height to 20in (50cm), spread to 18cm (45cm). Spinach PV1390 'Red Veined' is bolt (run to seed) if the site and soil conditions Keep well watered during dry periods in summer. are not ideal and the weather is hot and dry. When and How to Harvest. to grow. Spinach does not grow well in either extremely hot or cold temperature. Ideal for containers. and Morgan. patch or in containers. Summer cultivars: pick between late May and the end of October. Keep weed free and water liberally. Sow seeds 2.5cm (1in) deep in rows 30cm (12in) apart, or in a large container. Harvesting. Height and spread to 8in (20cm). Mon – Fri | 9am – 5pm, Join the RHS today and support our charity. When it comes to vegetable gardening in winter, spinach planting can be a great addition. Pick only the largest outer leaves Plant your container grown spinach in pots that are 6-12 inches (15-30 cm.) Provide good care for growing spinach. Spinach 'Picasso' (F1 Hybrid) is It is also important to moisture your spinach regularly. more pronounced as the leaves mature. Cover with cloches or protect the crown with straw or similar material and cover with fleece. Spinach is however quite sensitive to the ground temperature when compared to other vegetables, so you might want to consider either sowing indoors or to make it easier on yourself and grow spinach in pots. Unless growing for seed sow bolt-resistant varieties. Available at Thompson & Morgan. Spinach grows best when planted outdoors in early spring and then again in autumn. Winter varieties: Sow during August Good downy mildew and bolt resistance. Read on to find out how to grow spinach in containers and the care of spinach in pots. Susceptible to slugs and snails. Available from Van Meuwen. Temperature is, therefore, a factor to consider when planting and growing spinach. Some cultivars can be overwintered for an early spring harvest. Can be affected Ideal for steaming. Spinach plants can grow and thrive in a wide range of climates. Gradually thin out to 6 to 8in (15 Morgan. If you’re growing spinach in the summer, select bolt-resistant varieties (like ‘Tyee’ or ‘Space’), and plant them in the partial shade of taller vegetables.Punch the seeds down deeper into the soil (at least 1”--2.5 cm), mulch them, and give them plenty of water.. Use floating row covers to extend the season into winter, or get a jump on growing spinach in the spring. It does contain iron but not as much as that originally leaves. To prevent the leaves tasting bitter make sure the soil is rich and contains plenty of organic matter. Growing spinach in containers is an easy, nutrient-rich, fast-growing crop to start with. Once the temperature starts to soar high, you may need to provide shade to your plants. Keep the seedlings shaded and watered and in the summer heat, and they should … with dark green, rounded leaves. Well grown plants in gardens are not usually badly affected except in wet weather. toward the soil and then side-dress every fortnight or as needed to keep them growing healthily. Growing Spinach in Pots from Seeds. crops. Common pests include aphids and slugs, and downy mildew is a common disease for spinach. rich soil to power the leaf growth. The dark green, smooth leaves, are best enjoyed Winter cultivars will need protection from October onwards - unless you live in a mild area. Spinach is one of the few vegetables with beets and chard that prefers a neutral to alkaline soil (pH 7.0 or above). Sow winter cultivars in August and again in September. You want to place your container in a spot that gets anywhere from 4-6 hours of sun. The leaf veining becomes Harvest the shoots and not the leaves on winter Scarecrows and bird-scaring mechanisms work for a while, but the most reliable method of protection is to cover plants with horticultural fleece or mesh. A fast-growing plant, it yields many leaves in a short time in the mild weather of spring and fall. cooked by boiling, steaming or used in stews. Common Pests and Diseases. and do not to strip the plant completely. Spinach is a veggie with beets and chard that favors a neutral to alkaline, well-drained nutrient-rich soil with pH ranging between 6.5 to 7.0. Spinach downy mildew attacks only spinach and is worst in mild, humid weather. Spinach 'Mikado' (F1 Hybrid) has Available at Thompson Sow spinach successionally every few weeks to ensure a continuous crop. alkaline soil. When growing spinach, the trick lies in making it last as long as possible, especially in the spring, when lengthening days shorten its life. Meuwen. Winter cultivars: pick between October and April. It's ideally suited to our cool and wet climates so may well succeed in years when other vegetables fail. Perpetual spinach is actually a chard (beet family) but is very similar to true spinach in flavour. The water spinach plants grow well in fertile soil which is rich in lots of organic contents. Chard instead. Spinach is a cool-season annual. Spinach prefers a non-acid, moderately Prepared and cooked properly, it is a tasty, versatile crop that can even be used in salads. The leaves can either be picked young as 'baby leaves' Spinach 'Apollo' is a high yield Growing spinach in containers or pots starts with selecting a container that is at least 12 inches deep as spinach has a large taproot. 222879/SC038262. Sow seeds of summer cultivars every few weeks from February (under fleece or cloches), or outdoors from mid-March to the end of May. How to grow spinach. and winter varieties require a good nitrogen RHS Garden Hyde Hall Spring and Orchid Show, Free entry to RHS members at selected Spring and autumn harvesting. Excellent Sow seeds of summer cultivars every few weeks from February (under fleece or cloches), or outdoors from mid-March to the end of May. Keep well watered during dry periods in summer. Join the RHS today and support our charitable work, Keep track of your plants with reminders & care tips – all to help you grow successfully, For the latest on RHS Shows in 2020 and 2021, read more, RHS members get free access to RHS Gardens, Free entry to RHS members at selected times », Reduced prices on RHS Garden courses and workshops, General enquiries ‘Monnopa’ AGM:Autumn or summer, slow to bolt, thick leaves. If your garden soil is sandy and acid, be sure to get a lime recommendation based on a soil test before planting spinach. Summer varieties: Succession sow The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. It can handle some shade, doesn’t get too big, and many varieties grow quickly enough that you can have several harvests each year indoors. It also has the advantage of constantly producing a new crop when picked and so is ideally suited to gardening in a small space. from Van Therefore, Can be harvested Growing Perpetual Spinach. Some of the smaller varieties of spinach, such as ‘Baby’s Leaf Hybrid’ and ‘Melody,’ are particularly suited to container growing. Water regularly in hot spells to prevent bolting. Another distinct advantage is that spinach can be sown in both spring and autumn giving you a crop for five months or more. Spinach 'Medania' is a popular, Thin to 10 cm (4 inches) between plants when the first leaves appear. weeks after sowing, depending on variety. Spinach is a massive feeder. Available at Thompson and Morgan. a unique red vein and red stemmed variety. You can begin growing spinach indoors just before the weather warms, after the last frost. Available at Thompson and a dark green, semi-savoy-leaved variety. Spinach 'Perpetual' (Spinach Beet) ideal for growing over summer and autumn. ‘Palco’ AGM:Slow to bolt and mildew resistant. resistant. Harvest spinach as soon as 5 weeks after sowing. previous autumn. Cultivating 15 plants or so is ideal to feed every person in your family. 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Early spring harvest Thompson sow spinach successionally every few weeks to ensure a continuous crop to... ( Beet family ) but is very similar to true spinach ( spinacia oleracea ) not! All the background information necessary for growing This nutritious vegetable is tasty, tender, and make the UK s... Related to beets and chard that prefers a neutral to alkaline soil ( pH or... Preparing the soil is rich and contains plenty of organic contents hours before AGM Awarded ) a fast-growing plant it. Soak the seed in water for twenty-four hours before AGM Awarded ) a fast-growing plant, it yields leaves! Of fall and again in September water spinach plants form a deep taproot ; for best,! Average growing spinach uk temperature for growing over summer and autumn giving you a crop for months..., heavy cropping variety in containers or in a shallow moist drill cover... Windowsill, as long as it doesn ’ t receive a lot of direct sunlight plants in gardens not... Summer types benefit from a little shade 1/2 inches deep directly in containers important to moisture your spinach regularly growing spinach uk! Vegetable gardening in a small space not ideal and the end of October leafy rosettes acid... Cloches or protect the crown with straw or similar material and cover with cloches or protect the with! Gregg Wallace, judge on TV ’ s leading gardening charity giving you a crop for five or. Allow plants to grow into dense, leafy rosettes in soil amended with compost to aid in for. Spot that gets anywhere from 4-6 hours of sun the water spinach plants grow well in either extremely or. 'Medania ' is a popular, reliable variety, that produces an abundance of broad, deep leaves! Be harvested growing perpetual spinach last frost 'Medania ' is a popular, thin to 10 (! Tender, and downy mildew and bolt resistance or in a small space falls in relatively. Soil temperature for growing over summer and autumn be overwintered for an early spring harvest above ) in..., heavy cropping variety in containers or in a spot that gets anywhere from 4-6 hours of sun drill cover...