Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Spinach
Varieties:
'Winter Giant', 'Matador'
Spinach is quick and easy to grow and is great either added raw to a salad or as
a hot steamed vegetable. Because spinach is high in oxalic acid, anyone with gout,
kidney disease or rheumatoid arthritis should avoid eating large amounts of it.
There are many varieties available, some of which will do better than others in
dry, warm conditions. Some will grow well only in the spring and others only in
the summer, while a few varieties are suitable for the whole season. Whichever
one you choose, spinach always seems to bolt too soon, so keep sowing for a
continuous harvest. Pick a few leaves from each plant rather than cutting the
whole thing.
Preparation
Spinach will do best in well-dug earth that includes plenty of compost or other
organic matter, is free from stones or clumps of compacted earth, and is rich in
nutrients.
Sowing
'Sow spinach', to quote an old saying, 'when crocus and snowdrops begin to
bloom.' Spinach germinates best between 10°C and 15°C, and above 20°C germi-
nation is poor. Soak the seeds for 24 hours beforehand as this will help them
germinate. For the earliest start, spinach can be sown about 1cm deep in modules
in January and February indoors or with gentle heat, but since it doesn't like
being transplanted later, sowings are best made directly into the soil bed, and
these can be started as early as February in a mild spring. A covering of fleece
with the edges held down may be necessary to protect the seeds from mice and
the seedlings from slugs. Place seeds 1cm deep and 3cm apart. Make successive
sowings every few weeks until late May, either in the tunnel or an outside bed.
Later sowings are likely to bolt almost immediately because of the heat, but for a
harvest over winter a further sowing can be made in the tunnel in late August to
mid-September.
Growing
Spinach does best in cool, slightly shaded areas, such as between rows of sweet-
corn or beans, and will quickly bolt in full sun. It also bolts in response to other
stresses, so mulch round the plants with compost in warm weather and don't let
