How to Grow Organic Spinach

Freshly harvested organic spinach is so tender and tasty, you'd be crazy not to try growing some yourself. Spinach grows best in spring because it likes short days, cool soil and temperatures that stay below 60 degrees. I like to sow spinach at the front of my raised beds as an edging plant, but you can tuck it into any nook and cranny of your garden as long as the site gets plenty of sun and has well-drained soil. Follow these tips for growing healthy and delicious spinach. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1

Spinach varieties are divided into two basic types: smooth leafed and savoy. Smooth leafed varieties have, you guessed it, smooth, unwrinkled leaves. Savoy varieties typically grow a bit larger and have rumpled, crinkled leaves (and some people say a richer taste). I prefer smooth leaf varieties because they are easier to clean, but if you haven't grown spinach before, try both types and decide for yourself.

2

In spring, plant spinach when the soil temperature has warmed up to about 45 degrees. If you don't have a soil thermometer, just count back 6 to 8 weeks from your last frost date and begin sowing then. Another rule of thumb is to start sowing spinach when you see crocus and snowdrops beginning to bloom.

3

Spinach germinates best if you soak the seed for 24 hours before planting. Simply pour the seeds into a shallow dish and cover them with water. The next day skim off any seeds that are floating, as they are most likely not viable, then drain off the water and take the seeds outside.

4

It's best to plant spinach in a spot with full sun (at least 6 hours) and well-drained, loose soil. Prior to planting, dig 1 inch of compost into the soil. Then, rake the soil until it is smooth, level and free of clods and rocks.

5

Plant spinach seed about 1/2 inch deep and 2 inches apart in rows that are 2 feet apart. If you live in a climate that warms up quickly in spring, plant spinach under taller crops or in a spot that gets some afternoon shade. To get a continuous crop of greens, plant every 10 days through mid-spring. The seed may take up to 2 weeks to germinate in cold weather.

6

When the plants develop two sets of true leaves, thin them to 4 to 6 inches apart by simply cutting off the extra plants at ground level with scissors. Use the tender thinnings in salads. Prevent the plants from bolting (sending up a seed stalk) early by keeping the soil evenly moist.

7

Harvest some tender leaves at the baby stage to use in salads. Cook mature leaves and use them in stir-fries, soups and frittatas. Spinach tastes best when eaten soon after harvest, but if you must store it, keep the leaves in a loosely sealed plastic bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Wash and spin-dry the spinach leaves right before use.