Spinach grows best in the cool weather of spring and fall. Mature spinach plants can tolerate temperatures as low as 10 to 20°F (-12 to -7°C). Time spinach seed starting so plants come to harvest before or after the very warm and hot weather of summer. Hot weather will trigger bolting and seed-stalk formation. Bolting…
Spinach
How to Harvest and Store Spinach
Harvest spinach when the leaves are tender and big enough to eat. Store spinach cold and moist. Spinach is ready for picking 40 to 65 days after sowing. How to Harvest Spinach Cut spinach leaf by leaf—cut the outer leaves first allowing the inner leaves to grow larger–or cut away the whole plant one inch…
Spinach Growing Tips
Spinach is a cool weather crop that grows best when daytime temperature remain consistently below 75°F–commonly in spring or fall. Young plants will bolt when exposed to temperatures below 40°F, but mature plants can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F. Spinach is ready for picking in about 40 days; for a continuous harvest, sow spinach…
Spinach Growing Problems: Troubleshooting
Spinach growing problems are often related to growing spinach in the wrong season. Grow spinach in cool weather. Sow spinach in the garden as early as the ground can be worked in spring. Make succession sowings every 10 days for a continuous harvest of young tasty leaves. Continue sowing spinach until just a few weeks…
How to Grow Spinach
Spinach is a cool-season annual. Grow spinach before the weather warms. Sow spinach indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last average frost date in spring. Sow spinach outdoors or set out transplants 4 weeks before the last average frost date. In mild-winter regions, grow spinach in late summer or early autumn for harvest in…
Spinach Planting
Plant spinach in cool weather. It is well suited for the spring and autumn gardens. Spinach can be planted in soil as chilly as 35ºF (2ºC). Sow spinach seed in the garden 4 to 6 weeks before the last spring frost date. Spinach is a fast crop and can be harvested in 35 to 50…
Spinach: Kitchen Basics
Spinach has just the right balance of flavor—sharp and hearty but not overpowering. It is equally versatile raw or cooked. Spinach can be served raw in sandwiches and salads. Just add a little lemon juice. It can be served with a basic béchamel sauce or a rich Mornay sauce. Spinach can be baked au gratin…