Spinach care guide
Spinacia oleracea
Also known as: Spinach
Pets and children
Caution advised
It is high in oxalates, and a dog or cat that eats a lot may get an upset stomach or, over time, urinary stones; keep it out of reach and consult a veterinarian (or a doctor, for a child) if a large amount is eaten.
How often to water Spinach
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 2 days
- Keep the seedbed moist until germination, then water thoroughly once the topsoil dries, as a guide; soggy soil damages the roots.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 3 days
- The main growing season for autumn sowings; as a guide, water about a day after the topsoil dries.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 4 days
- Cold slows growth, so as a guide water in the morning about two to three days after the soil dries.
Light and placement for Spinach
A sunny, airy spot outdoors is about right; it likes cool weather, and since spring sowings tend to bolt as the days lengthen, an autumn sowing is generally the easier crop, while summer heat suits it poorly.
Overwintering Spinach
Overwintering guide: −5°C (23°F) or above
Very cold-hardy, and frost generally makes it sweeter; it stands about −5°C outdoors, though growth nearly stops, so a fleece cover helps keep the harvest going.
Fertilizing and repotting Spinach
Fertilizer
It dislikes acid soil, so as a guide mix in dolomite lime about two weeks before sowing; beyond the base fertilizer, one or two doses of diluted liquid feed at the four-to-five-leaf stage is usually enough.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep), Autumn (Oct–Nov)
Common problems with Spinach
- Sown in acid soil, the seedlings yellow and stop growing.
- Spring sowings bolt before harvest as the days lengthen.
- Heat and wet soil cause damping-off at the base.
Tips for growing Spinach
- The seed coat is hard, so soaking overnight before sowing gives even germination.
- Autumn sowings grown slowly through the cold give the sweetest leaves.
- Thin to about 5 to 6 cm apart so each plant can grow large leaves.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
