Spinach

A practical vegetable garden series

 

Grow this cool-season leafy green in small spring and autumn sowings, and pick tender leaves before heat sends it to seed.

 

Written for home gardeners in Hungary

CHAPTER WELCOME

Your spinach season starts here

This book follows the whole journey: seed → seedling → garden → care → harvest → kitchen → next season.

True spinach is a quick, cool-season leaf crop that suits the Hungarian garden best in spring and autumn. Near Győr, sow outdoors in March or April, then make another small sowing two or three weeks later. Pause during summer heat and sow again from late August into September. Keep the soil evenly moist and pick young leaves regularly; a steady supply of tender leaves is easier than one large glut.

This guide is about true spinach, Spinacia oleracea. It is different from komatsuna, which is sometimes called mustard spinach, and from chard or New Zealand spinach. Spinach grows quickly in cool conditions, but hot, dry weather can make it flower early and the leaves turn stronger in flavour.

Our Hungarian calendar

 

 

The rule for this series: dates guide us, but the plant and the weather make the final decision.

CHAPTER 1

Meet Spinach

A cool-season leafy crop with tender young leaves and a quick harvest.

True spinach (Spinacia oleracea) forms a low rosette of green leaves, which may be smooth or slightly crinkled depending on the variety. You can pick baby leaves for salads or let the plants grow larger for cooking. Spinach belongs to a different plant family from komatsuna, chard and New Zealand spinach, even though all can be used as leafy greens. It grows best when the weather is cool and the soil stays evenly moist. In Hungary, sow it in spring or late summer rather than asking it to cope with midsummer heat.

A quick crop that likes cool weather

 

Choose how you want to enjoy the plant

·  For salads: pick small, tender leaves while the plant is still young.

·  For cooking: allow the leaves to grow larger and harvest generously.

·  For a long supply: sow short rows every two or three weeks in spring.

·  For autumn leaves: sow again from late August into September.

·  For a mild flavour: keep the soil moist and harvest before flower stalks form.

·  For winter: choose a hardy variety and protect young plants in severe cold.

 

CHAPTER 2

Choose Your Spinach

Choose a variety for the season and decide whether you want baby leaves or larger bunches.

Ask yourself five questions

1.         Can I give spinach a cool spring or autumn growing window?

2.         Will I sow a small amount, then repeat it for a steadier harvest?

3.         Can I keep the soil moist while the leaves are growing quickly?

4.         Do I want small salad leaves or larger leaves for cooking?

5.         Can I pause sowing during the hottest weeks of summer?

A beginner-friendly first planting

 

 

 

CHAPTER 3

Let’s Sow

For your first try, sow a short row in a cool part of the garden instead of a large bed. Spinach germinates best when the ground is not hot, and a small sowing is easier to keep moist and weed-free. Make a second sowing two or three weeks later to spread out the picking. You can harvest tender baby leaves early or wait for larger leaves. If spring turns hot, pause and sow again when late-summer weather cools.

When to sow in Hungary

Spinach has two useful sowing seasons near Győr: early spring and late summer. Sow outdoors in March or April as soon as the soil is workable, then repeat every two or three weeks while temperatures remain mild. Stop during hot, dry weather, because long days and heat can trigger early flowering. Sow again from late August through September for autumn and, with a hardy variety, early spring leaves. The best date shifts with the season, so check the soil and forecast rather than relying only on the calendar.

What you need

·  A packet of true spinach seed for the season you plan to grow

·  A sunny or lightly shaded bed with moisture-retentive soil

·  Mature compost if the soil is poor or compacted

·  A rake, labels and a gentle watering can

·  A pair of clean scissors or a small harvest basket

Sowing, step by step

1.         Choose a cool spring or late-summer sowing window.

2.         Prepare a fine, weed-free seedbed and water it if it is dry.

3.         Sow seeds about 2–3 cm deep in rows 20–30 cm apart.

4.         Cover lightly, firm the soil gently and label the row.

5.         Keep the seedbed evenly moist until seedlings appear.

 

 

CHAPTER 4

Seedling School

Even moisture, gentle thinning and a cool growing spot help spinach seedlings thrive.

Recognise a healthy seedling

Spinach seedlings first show two narrow seed leaves, followed by true leaves that form a small rosette. The young leaves may be smooth or gently puckered, depending on the variety. Keep the row evenly moist while plants establish, and remove weeds before they compete for water and light. When seedlings are large enough to handle, thin them so the remaining plants have room to make full leaves. If you want baby spinach, you can leave plants closer and harvest them young.

Why have the seeds not sprouted?

Spinach seed can be slow or uneven in warm soil, and a dry seedbed may stop it germinating. Very wet, compacted ground can also cause problems. Check that the row is not drying out and that seeds were covered lightly rather than buried too deeply. In summer heat, wait for cooler weather and sow again instead of repeating the same sowing in hot soil. Fresh seed, a firm seedbed and steady moisture usually make emergence more dependable.

Water while they settle

Water gently after sowing and keep the soil moist while seedlings emerge. Spinach needs regular water because dry spells interrupt growth and can make it bolt early. Water at the base in the morning when possible, especially during warm weather or in a container. Once plants are established, check the top layer of soil often; it should not dry completely. A light mulch can help retain moisture, but do not cover tiny seedlings.

Feeding

Spinach grows well in fertile soil with mature compost worked in before sowing. It usually needs little extra feeding, so avoid repeated high-nitrogen applications. If leaves look pale or growth slows, first check moisture, drainage, crowding and weeds. A container crop may need a light balanced feed if it is growing for a long time, but follow the product label. Good soil preparation and steady water matter more than strong fertiliser.

 

 

CHAPTER 5

Ready for the Real World

Sow spinach where it will grow, then thin the row for healthy, easy-to-pick leaves.

Before sowing: prepare a cool, moist seedbed

1.         Choose sun or light shade, especially if the weather is warming.

2.         Loosen the soil and mix in mature compost if it needs improvement.

3.         Remove weeds and rake the surface to a fine, even texture.

4.         Sow directly into shallow drills and cover lightly.

5.         Water gently and label the variety and sowing date.

When can it live outside in Hungary?

Spinach is a cool-season crop and can be sown directly outdoors. Near Győr, early spring sowing is possible from March when the soil is workable; a light frost is usually less of a problem than heat and drying soil. You can also sow from late August into September for an autumn crop. Choose a hardy variety if you want plants to overwinter, and protect them with fleece or a low cover if a severe cold spell is forecast. Skip midsummer sowing during hot weather, when seedlings may struggle and mature plants can bolt.

Sow in rows about 20–30 cm apart, then thin plants to roughly 8–10 cm apart for full leaves. If you plan to harvest baby leaves, you can leave them closer and pick earlier. Give the plants enough room for air to circulate and for you to reach the row without stepping on the soil. A container or trough works for a small crop if it is deep enough to hold moisture and has drainage holes. Direct sowing is generally easiest, since spinach grows quickly in its final place.

 

 

CHAPTER 6

Give Them a Good Home

Cool conditions and moisture-retentive soil keep spinach leaves tender.

The right place

Choose an open position with sun in spring and light afternoon shade as summer approaches. Spinach prefers fertile soil that holds moisture but drains well. Work in mature compost before sowing if the bed is poor, and remove perennial weeds that would compete with the young plants. Near Győr, an autumn row can do well after taller summer crops have been cleared, while a spring row can use a sunny bed before summer vegetables take over.

Spacing

Sow rows about 20–30 cm apart, then thin plants to around 8–10 cm apart for mature leaves. For baby leaves, a closer row is fine because you will harvest the plants young. Thinning gives larger plants room to spread and lets air move between the leaves. Use the thinnings in a salad if they are clean and tender. Follow the seed packet if it gives spacing specific to your variety or if you are growing a dedicated baby-leaf type.

Planting day

1.         Prepare a fine bed and water first if the soil is dry.

2.         Make shallow drills about 2–3 cm deep, with rows 20–30 cm apart.

3.         Sow seeds thinly, cover with fine soil and firm gently.

4.         Water with a fine rose and label the variety and date.

5.         Thin seedlings once they are easy to handle, then water again.

Growing in containers or under cover

Spinach grows well in a wide pot or trough filled with quality multipurpose compost. Choose a container with drainage holes and keep it in a cool, bright place; move it out of hot midday sun as the weather warms. Pots dry out faster than garden soil, so check them regularly and water before the compost dries through. Under cover, spring and autumn crops can continue for longer, but give plants airflow and watch for slugs. Direct sow in the container to avoid disturbing young roots.

 

CHAPTER 7

Water, Feed & Keep Them Growing

Regular water and small repeat sowings help spinach keep producing tender leaves.

Watering

Keep the seedbed moist until seedlings establish, then water whenever the soil begins to dry. Spinach is a thirsty leafy crop, and water stress can slow growth, make leaves tougher and encourage early bolting. Water deeply at the base in the morning when possible. Containers need more frequent checks, especially in warm or windy weather. Keep moisture even rather than flooding the bed; soil should drain freely after rain or watering.

Mulch

Once seedlings are established, use a light layer of fine compost between rows to slow moisture loss and discourage weeds. Leave a clear space around the plants so small leaves are not buried. Weed by hand or hoe shallowly while the row is young. A little afternoon shade and mulch can help keep spring spinach cool when temperatures rise, but pause sowing during the hottest weeks and restart when late-summer weather is milder.

Feeding

A bed enriched with mature compost usually gives spinach a good start. Avoid heavy or repeated nitrogen feeding, which can produce soft leafy growth and is not needed for a quick crop. If plants look weak, check water, weeds, spacing and soil condition before applying anything. Container plants grown for a longer period may use up nutrients sooner; use a balanced liquid feed sparingly and follow the label.

Keep plants healthy

Keep the row weed-free and look for slugs, especially after wet weather. Water early in the day so leaves do not remain damp overnight, and avoid crowding plants. When a tall flower stalk appears, the crop is bolting; leaves can quickly become tougher and bitter, so pick what remains usable and remove the plant. Heat and dry soil are common triggers. Make the next sowing when the weather is cooler rather than trying to hold an exhausted row.

 

CHAPTER 8

Leaves, Stems & “What Is That?”

Spinach leaves are usually smooth or softly crinkled; rising flower stalks signal the crop is finishing.

Why has spinach started to bolt?

Bolting is when the plant sends up a flower stalk and begins to set seed. Spinach may bolt early during hot, dry weather, after a sudden change in conditions, or as days lengthen toward summer. Keep the soil moist, use light shade in warm weather and sow in spring or late summer for the longest harvest. Once the stalk forms, the leaves often become stronger and less pleasant, so harvest what you can and start a fresh row when conditions improve.

The beginner’s trouble guide

 

 

 

CHAPTER 9

Can I Pick It Yet?

Pick baby leaves early or wait for a fuller rosette; harvest before the flower stalk rises.

What “ready” looks like

Baby spinach can be ready in about a month, while fuller leaves may take six to eight weeks, depending on variety and weather. Begin with a few outer leaves once each plant has several good leaves, leaving the centre to grow. For a larger one-off harvest, cut established plants just above the crown so healthy roots may regrow. Check the row often in warm weather and pick before a flower stalk appears, when the leaves are still tender and mild.

Harvest for the use you want

 

How often should I check?

Check the row every few days once leaves begin to size up. Pick a few outer leaves from each plant for a cut-and-come-again harvest, or take alternate plants whole to make room for the rest. Spring spinach can turn quickly toward flowering as heat builds, so use it while the leaves are tender. Autumn plants grow more slowly as days shorten; harvest regularly and protect late crops from severe frost. Make another sowing rather than stripping every leaf from a small plant.

 

 

CHAPTER 10

From the Garden to the Kitchen

Young spinach is tender in salads; larger leaves wilt quickly into warm dishes.

The first rule: wash and use it while fresh

Pick only what you need, remove any yellow or damaged leaves and rinse the rest carefully to remove grit. Baby leaves can be eaten raw in salads, while larger leaves suit steaming, sautéing, soups and pasta. Spinach shrinks a great deal when cooked, so gather more than the finished dish seems to need. Add leaves near the end of cooking so they wilt without becoming grey or over-soft. Wash just before use if you plan to keep leaves in the refrigerator.

Match the harvest to its purpose

·  Salad: use young leaves with a simple dressing and mild greens.

·  Quick side: sauté larger leaves briefly with garlic or butter.

·  Soup or pasta: stir leaves in near the end so they just wilt.

·  Freezer: blanch leaves, cool, drain well and freeze in small portions.

 

Keeping the harvest fresh

Spinach tastes best soon after picking. Shake off soil, remove damaged leaves and keep the rest loosely wrapped in the refrigerator; wash shortly before eating. Use it within a few days while the leaves remain crisp. For a larger harvest, blanch the leaves briefly, cool them quickly, squeeze out excess water and freeze in meal-size portions. Frozen spinach is best used in cooked dishes. Keep leaves dry in storage so they do not become slimy.

When you have more than one use

Pick young leaves for salads and let the larger leaves go into soup, pasta or a quick pan of greens. Spinach wilts down dramatically, so a generous handful becomes a small cooked portion. If several rows mature together, use the freshest leaves first and blanch extra for the freezer. Small repeat sowings help avoid a large glut and keep new leaves arriving through cool weather.

CHAPTER 11

Next Season Starts Now

Note which sowing window gave you the best leaves and repeat it next year.

Keep a tiny garden record

·  Variety name and whether it was chosen for spring, autumn or overwintering

·  Sowing dates and how long seedlings took to appear

·  Which bed stayed coolest and held moisture best

·  When baby leaves and full-size leaves were ready

·  How often you watered during warm or dry spells

·  When the first flower stalk appeared, if it did

·  Which dishes and storage method your household enjoyed most

Saving seed for next year

Spinach is usually grown as a quick leaf crop, and buying fresh seed is the simplest way to get a reliable start next season. If you want to save seed, leave several healthy plants to flower rather than taking every leaf. Keep the seed plants marked, allow the seed heads to dry on the plant and collect them in dry weather before they shed. Finish drying the seed indoors in a labelled paper bag, then store it cool and dry. Plants grown close to other spinach varieties may cross, so saved seed may not come true to type.

1.         Choose several healthy plants and mark them for seed.

2.         Let these plants flower and keep them watered as they develop seed.

3.         Wait until the seed heads are dry before collecting them.

4.         Finish drying the seed in an airy place and remove loose chaff.

5.         Label the seed with its variety and year, then store it cool and dry.

 

 

COME GROW WITH ME

SPINACH CHEAT SHEET

The page to come back to when you have soil on your hands and no time to reread the whole book.

 

 

 

COME GROW WITH ME • SPINACH