Spinach is super yummy and is a well-loved vegetable at our house. There are so many uses for it!
Start out with fresh seeds when planting spinach in a bed or planter…storing them from last year really doesn’t work well and won’t give you the best results. Make sure the soil has a decent amount of nitrogen content, and till the ground about a foot deep (if possible) so the little seeds can easily send their tap roots deep into the dirt.
In warm climates (like Georgia), the key to a great cool season crop is to plant early in the spring, through to early summer – then harvest. In the cool fall months, plant again and harvest, expecting the greatest return during the autumn months.
Hot weather is your enemy where spinach is concerned, so if you must plant in the summer, pick a spot that is shaded by tall plants or trees, and make sure to water appropriately.
Once the little seedlings have popped up, thin them out if they appear too crowded…ideally, the sprouts should be 4-6 inches apart so they can spread.
Once the leaves have multiplied and are about 3-4 inches long, you just carefully snip the leaves off, avoiding any damage to the stalks. When you’re ready for a full harvest, snip off the entire stalk just below the soil line.
Then, eat, eat, eat!! My husband’s favorite way to eat spinach is sauteed, with just a little olive oil, salt and pepper. I prefer it raw in a salad or in baked pasta. Share your recipes below!! Happy gardening!