Spinach thrives in the cool, shorter days of autumn and well into winter. I sow the seed in my cold frames and polytunnel in mid to late September, as well as in a few open garden beds.
Can spinach be grow all year round?
Spinach is tasty, nutritious and easy to grow. You can even enjoy harvests all year round if you grow several different types. Winter cultivars need a sunny position, while summer varieties benefit from a little shade.
Does spinach over winter?
Spinach is an excellent choice for over winter production as it is extremely cold hardy. As the temperature decreases the plant increases the sugar content in its vasculature. This essentially acts as an “anti-freeze” to protect the plant.
What season does spinach grow?
In late winter or early spring for a fast crop and again in late summer or early fall, after the hottest temperatures have passed. Spinach is a cool-weather vegetable.
Does spinach grow in winter Australia?
Grow your own baby spinach leaves – they’re nature’s superfood, rich in iron, vitamins and fibre. A cool-season crop, sow in autumn and you’ll have leaves throughout autumn, winter and early spring.
Is spinach cut and come again?
If you prefer small, tender, baby spinach greens, you may want to opt for a cut-and-come-again style of harvesting. Pinch a few leaves off from the outside of the plant, which will allow it to continue producing new growth. With this method, you’ll be picking more mature growth first, as you would when harvesting kale.
How late can spinach be planted?
Spinach can be planted 6-8 weeks before your average first frost. Count back from your average first frost date to six, seven and eight weeks before. This is your planting window. I’ve had better luck planting spinach around eight weeks before my frost date.
How do you grow spinach in the winter?
How to Grow Winter Spinach
- Create a Fertile Bed.
- Make Multiple Sowings.
- Thin to Keep Plants Healthy.
- Use a Low Tunnel or Cold Frame.
- Fertilize in Late Winter.
Can I grow spinach in November?
Spinach is ready to harvest 6-10 weeks after sowing. As a general rule, you can pick summer varieties from May to October and winter ones between October and April. But keep an eye on your crop as spinach usually grows quicker in warmer weather.
What veg can grow in winter?
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbages, kale, leeks and parsnips are hardy vegetables and will stand through the winter. Leafy crops such as chard, parsley and rocket should also over-winter with a little protection.
What temperature is too cold for spinach?
Optimum growing temperature is 50⁰ F to 60⁰ F, but young seedlings can tolerate temperatures as low as 15⁰ F to 20⁰ F. Try to keep the soil consistently moist because spinach will bolt if the soil dries out.
Does spinach like sun or shade?
Spinach grows well in full sun to partial shade. Spinach prefers moist fertile soil with neutral to alkaline soil (pH 7.0 or above). Prepare the soil before planting by amending with 2-4 inches of compost. Good companion plants for growing spinach include radishes, strawberries, and garlic.
Will frost hurt spinach?
Second, know that a light frost—32 degrees and colder—kills all tender plants such as tomatoes. Hardier plants such as spinach and kale will survive until there’s a hard freeze—28 degrees and colder.
What is winter spinach?
A special strain bred specifically for late summer and fall seeding for a crop in early spring. The large dark green leaves are smooth, semi savoyed and flavorful. Wonderful steamed, or excellent in fresh spinach salads.
Does baby spinach grow in winter?
Winter is the perfect time to grow baby spinach. If you want baby spinach in the winter instead of full-grown plants then you should plant a little later in the fall. Your spinach plants won’t develop as much if planted later and will give you a great harvest of “baby spinach” during the winter months.
Can I plant spinach in January?
You can sow a variety of winter hardy greens (spinach, cress, mustard greens, arugula) throughout January. Remember, plants grow slowly in winter’s low light – even in warm greenhouses your starts may not put on much growth until the sun is stronger.
How do you trim spinach so it keeps growing?
Pinch, cut, or snip off the stem of the leaf close to the base of the plant, but just above the top of the soil level. You don’t need to leave more than 1/2″ of stem above the soil’s surface to allow for regrowth.
When should spinach be picked?
Most varieties mature in 37 to 45 days and can be harvested as soon as it is a rosette with five or six leaves. Baby spinach leaves have a sweeter flavor and a more tender texture. Spinach leaves should be removed before they get yellow and within a week of full leaf formation.
Why is spinach hard growing?
Sometimes spinach seeds won’t germinate because the weather is too hot or too cold. The good news is that, if it is too cold, the seeds will germinate as soon as the weather warms up. Poor soil moisture can also lead to poor germination so be sure to water evenly and regularly.
How often should spinach be watered?
About 1″ of water per week is best for spinach. But in warmer weather, bump that number up by half an inch. Regular, shallow watering is better than one deep watering per week.
How do you grow spinach year round?
Can You Grow Spinach Indoors Year-Round?
- Prepare the soil mix.
- Plant the seeds into the pots.
- Keep it at a cool temperature, especially if you live in a tropical climate.
- Water it regularly.
- Fertilize and mulch when necessary.
- Don’t forget to check for pests and diseases.
- Thin the leaves.
- Enjoy your harvest.