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Holly's Homestead — Leafy Green

English Spinach

Spinacia oleracea · Amaranth family
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Annual, cool season, direct sown
MATURITY 40–50 days
Sun
Full–part sun
Water
Consistent
Soil pH
6.5–7.5
Spacing
10–15cm
Depth
1–2cm

01Cool-season quick crop

This is true spinach — the same plant as the earlier spinach guide, distinct from silverbeet or English spinach substitutes. Grow through the cooler months for best results.

02Planting

Method
Direct sow; thin as seedlings crowd.
Soil
Rich, moisture-retentive.
Timing
Sow through autumn, winter, and early spring.

03Growing care

  • Thin to final spacing early.
  • Keep soil consistently moist.
  • Harvest outer leaves regularly.
  • Pull at the first sign of bolting.

04Problems

  • Bolting — warmth and long days; grow in the cool season only.
  • Leaf miner — remove affected leaves.
  • Downy mildew — humid weather; improve airflow.
  • Slow growth — feed regularly in poor soil.

05Harvest & storage

Signs
Leaves reach usable size, before any flower stalk forms.
Method
Cut outer leaves or the whole plant.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Fridge crisper, a few days.

06Companions & rotation

Plant nearby
StrawberryBrassicasPeas
Avoid nearby
Potato
Rotation note
Fast crop; rotate loosely with other families.