How To Grow Spinach
Marilyn Pokorney

Spinach is high in iron, calcium, vitamin A, protein,
carotenoids and many more nutrients.  Here are some tips on
how to grow this easy to care for vegetable.

Plant spinach early in the spring or early fall.  Spinach
likes the cooler temperatures in the 65 to 70 degree range.
When temperatures get above 80 seeds will not germinate and
plants already growing will bolt and go to seed.  When
planting in the fall plant seeds about 60 days before the
last frost.  Spinach can survive a light frost.

Seeds can be planted as soon as the soil can be worked in
the spring.  Even as early as late February. Plant in full
sun to partial shade.  Seeds should be planted about half an
inch deep and 2 to 4 inches apart.  Plant rows 12 to 18
inches apart.

Soil should be rich, fertile and loose.  Dig soil to a depth
of 12 inches. Add compost or natural fertilizer.  The pH
should be a 6.2 to 6.9.

Mulch plants with straw or grass clippings.  Water about one
inch per week.  Fertilize every 2 weeks until plants are 6
inches tall.  Thin to 4 inches apart.

Harvest by cutting the outer leaves.  When a bud starts
forming in the center harvest the entire plant because it's
going to bolt.

Wash the leaves in cold water.  Spinach leaves are
perishable so eat immediately for the best quality.  Or
store in refrigerator for only a few days.

Spinach is easy to grow and has few problems.  Slugs are
among it's worst pests.

For more information on growing spinach visit:

http://www.apluswriting.net/garden/slugs.htm
http://www.apluswriting.net/spinachtips.htm

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Author:  Marilyn Pokorney
Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the
environment.
Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.
Website: http://www.apluswriting.net
Email:  Current address on website
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