Spinach

Growing

To thrive, spinach requires soil that is slightly acidic, ideally maintaining a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Because this is a cool-season crop, you should sow your seeds once the soil has warmed sufficiently in the spring, or even in the late summer for a fall harvest. Since the plant is highly frost-tolerant and can even survive a hard freeze, it is an excellent candidate for extending your growing season into the colder months.

When managing your crop, focus on consistent moisture to prevent the leaves from becoming bitter. While the plant grows well in containers, ensure your planting site has excellent drainage to avoid waterlogged roots. As the leaves grow from the base, you can harvest them as soon as they reach a usable size. Because spinach does not ripen or improve after being picked, harvest the leaves when they are at your preferred tenderness to ensure the best flavor.

To preserve your harvest, keep the leaves unwashed in the refrigerator to prevent premature wilting, though they lose nutritional value after a few days. For much longer storage, blanch the leaves before placing them in the freezer. If you are growing in areas with potential heavy metal concerns, be mindful of soil quality, as spinach can accumulate cadmium depending on your location.