I once went through a period of dating girls with challenging dietary restrictions.* One was raw and vegan, but mostly ate cashews and turmeric. The other was vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free and fructose-free. Needless to say, we went our separate ways. But in both cases we did find common ground in spinach. Raw or cooked. Dressed or undressed. Spinach doesn’t mind. Spinach is an easy-going plant that gets along with everyone.
Spinach is a must in any garden, as it is fast growing and less delicate than other lettuces. In mild climates like our own, spinach will grow year-round. However, we are always moving it around to match the current conditions. We grow spinach in full sun during the cooler months and then find a protected aspect when the seasons heat up.
A good way to keep spinach, and most leafy greens, from bolting to seed is to maintain a steady harvest and water daily. A little bit of neglect will send them packing.
*Not to say that there is anything wrong with dietary requirements. However, in this case the diets in question were dramatically incompatible with my cheese-loving salami-bingeing and carb-loading ways.
PLANTING
Sow the seeds directly into the veggie patch at most times of the year, however propagate in a mini greenhouse when it is too hot or too cold and then look to transplant once conditions become more mild.
WATERING
In ground: Water daily for the first 4 weeks and 3-4 times a week in the absence of rainfall thereafter. More frequent watering may be required during the warmer times of the year.
In Pots: Water daily while establishing and for the entirety of the warm season, otherwise every second day – after they are 4 weeks old – if growing during the cooler times of the year.
MAINTENANCE
Propagate in a seed tray and prepare the patch with plenty of compost 4 weeks prior to planting.
Transplant into the patch on a day that is not too hot or too cold and space out at half of that required for mature plants.
Thin out seedling after a month to the required spacing and mulch with pea straw, lucerne hay or sugar cane to a depth of 3–5cm (1¼–2 in). Young seedlings are susceptible to overnight patch raids, so provide some protection. Spinach will appreciate monthly applications of a liquid seaweed solution.
Begin to harvest leaf by leaf in moderation after 8 weeks. Pick from the more mature outer leaves and then work your way in.
Production intensifies after 12 weeks and you will need to keep picking with regularity to prevent the plant from bolting to seed. Foliage is best when young and sweet.
HARVESTING
Time until first harvest: 40-60 days
How to harvest: Pick leaf by leaf, selecting the more mature, outer leaves first. Harvest regularly to increase productivity and prevent the plant from bolting to seed.
TIP
Plant next to your strawberries, as they tend to work well as companions.
