Latin Name: Spinacia oleracea
Main Uses: Culinary

Days to Maturity: 45 days
Exposure: Full sun
Certified Organic: USDA Certified Organic

Germination:  7 - 14 days in soil 4° C or warmer.
Sowing: Indoors start lettuce transplants 3- 4 weeks before last frost date. Sow 5 - 8 seeds per cell or plug. Harden-off seedlings by reducing water  and temperature. For best results, fertilize right from first watering with a kelp based fertilizer such as Sea Magic™.
Sowing Outdoors:  Sow outdoors in late may or early June, or once soil has warmed to 4° C and there is no chance of frost. Sow thinnly 1/2 and 1" apart.
Planting depth: Cover with a dusting of soil. Lightly press into the planting medium to ensure good soil contact. Water the seeds gently with a fine spray. Keep the soil evenly watered until the seedlings emerge, which should be about 7 - 14 days.
Planting Out: Plant in well drained fertile soil (garden or container) once seedlings are established and risk of frost has passed.For continuous harvest, sow lettuce every 3 weeks. If you have limited garden space, Spinach can be easilly cultivated in a container/barrel.
Notes: Spinach is extremely hardy and tolerant of cold weather. Spinach is not drought or heat tolerant. Spinach will bolt in hot weather.

Harvesting: Harvest leaves at any stage from baby to full size. Once Spinach starts to bolt it is no longer tasty.

Growing in Containers: Grows very well in larger containers and raised beds.

Fertilizing (Containers): Add up to 25% quality compost to your potting mix. This plant loves a higher nitrogen fertilizer - diluted fish fertilizer is an excellent organic choice, applied weekly.

Watering (Containers): Water deeply when top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Check every day or two during very hot weather.

Growing in Mixed Planters: Well suited for larger mixed planters. Think square foot gardening!

Fertilizing (Garden): Plant in a garden bed recently amended with quality compost. Feed weekly with a higher nitrogen organic fertilizer.

Watering (Garden): Water deeply to establish. Water mature plants weekly during hot weather.

Garden Companions: 

• Companion Plants: Corn, Onions and Tomatoes provide shade for Spinach. Strawberry, Celery, Cauliflower (and Brassicas), Eggplant, Leeks, Lettuce, Peas and Radish are all compatible neighbours.
• Avoid: planting Spinach near Potatoes.

Pest/Disease Issues: Plant radishes near your spinach as leaf-miners (a common problem on spinach) prefer radish leaves over spinach.

Suitability for Indoors: Not well suited for indoors, as cool conditions are required.