Growing perpetual spinach (also known as spinach beet or Swiss chard) from seed is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
1. Sowing the Seeds
- Timing: Sow perpetual spinach seeds from early spring to late summer for a continuous harvest.
- Direct Sowing vs. Starting Indoors: You can sow seeds directly into the ground or start them indoors for earlier crops. Direct sowing is generally preferred.
- Soil Preparation: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure for added nutrients.
- Sowing Technique:
- Sow seeds about 1/2 inch (1 cm) deep.
- Sow 2-3 seeds per station. This increases your chances of at least one seed germinating.
- Space stations about 50 cm (20 inches) apart.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which usually takes 7-14 days.
2. Thinning Seedlings
- When to Thin: Once seedlings emerge and have a couple of true leaves, thin them to one strong seedling per station.
- How to Thin: Carefully snip off the weaker seedlings at the soil line, rather than pulling them, to avoid disturbing the roots of the remaining plant.
- Edible Thinnings: Don't waste the thinnings! They are perfectly edible and can be added to salads.
3. Ongoing Care
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil consistently moist.
- Weeding: Keep the area around the spinach plants free of weeds.
- Fertilizing: Side-dress plants with compost or a balanced fertilizer every few weeks to promote healthy growth.
4. Harvesting
- Regular Harvesting is Key: Begin harvesting leaves when they are a decent size, typically around 6 inches (15 cm) long.
- Harvesting Method: Pick outer leaves regularly, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing.
- Prevent Bolting: Consistent harvesting prevents the plant from bolting (going to seed), which makes the leaves bitter and shortens the plant's lifespan. Remove any flower stalks as soon as you see them.
- Leaf Quality: Older, larger leaves can become tough and bitter. Regular harvesting ensures a continuous supply of tender, flavorful leaves.
Summary Table: Growing Perpetual Spinach from Seed
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Sowing | Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep, 2-3 per station, 50cm apart. |
| Thinning | Thin to one seedling per station when true leaves appear. |
| Watering | Keep soil consistently moist. |
| Fertilizing | Side-dress with compost or balanced fertilizer regularly. |
| Harvesting | Pick outer leaves regularly to prevent bolting and ensure tender leaves. |
By following these steps, you can enjoy a continuous supply of fresh, nutritious perpetual spinach leaves from your garden.
