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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: Nigella on June 06, 2005, 16:45:06

Title: To late for spinach ?
Post by: Nigella on June 06, 2005, 16:45:06
Am I to late to sow some spinach ?  :(

I know it bolts in dry weather - so guessing summer planting is not great - but if I water lots should it be ok ?
Title: Re: To late for spinach ?
Post by: Mrs Ava on June 06, 2005, 16:46:52
Nope.  I am going to try a few plants in the next couple of weeks to plant where my earlies currently are.
Title: Re: To late for spinach ?
Post by: sweet-pea on June 06, 2005, 16:48:24
I planted a second batch last week under my runner beans.  I have no idea whether it's too late, although some of the other posts have suggested sowing in a shaded place or by plants that will provide shade, to help prevent bolting.  I recon they'd be OK if you keep watering them.
Title: Re: To late for spinach ?
Post by: tim on June 06, 2005, 17:01:04
Must it be spinach?. Just put out our annual sowing of Rainbow Chard. Only bolts when it's past its bbe date.

If spinach behaves like chard, pre-germinate it like in 'Swiss Chard' in Basics. You'll get a head start.
Title: Re: To late for spinach ?
Post by: Svea on June 06, 2005, 17:42:56
hmm, must go and check that out, tim. my third (!!!) sowing of a row of sniach has produced the grand number of three(!!!) plants :(
pathetic!

i dont know, one more try and then i give up.

though i should say those three plants are on their second set of true leaves and looking yummy already ;)
Title: Re: To late for spinach ?
Post by: Roy Bham UK on June 06, 2005, 21:00:29
I hope it's not too late as I've sown some recently and was going to sow more, I'm in the sowing mood now so don't stop me, :o I'm ready willing and able ;D
Title: Re: To late for spinach ?
Post by: aquilegia on June 07, 2005, 09:26:31
Does spinach behave itself if you sow it in modules? I have far too many slugs and snails to sow it direct.
Title: Re: To late for spinach ?
Post by: dingerbell on June 07, 2005, 10:43:14
I have sown mine beneath the sweetcorn, the shade helps keep the moisture in.  It's growng nicely. :)
Title: Re: To late for spinach ?
Post by: tim on June 07, 2005, 10:48:12
Once again, Aqui - I don't know about spinach, but chard works fine. Just potted these on from pre-germinating yesterday.
Title: Re: To late for spinach ?
Post by: Nigella on June 07, 2005, 13:03:00
Good stuff.  ;D

I think will try some chard as well.  :-*

The next door lotti still has chard from last year - looks like a good option.
Title: Re: To late for spinach ?
Post by: tim on June 07, 2005, 13:42:41
Yes - we're still eating it, but we'll soon be onto this year's.
Title: Re: To late for spinach ?
Post by: Mrs Ava on June 07, 2005, 14:56:54
Sowed Spinach 'doninant' and swiss chard 'bright yellow' in modules today for planting out in a couple of weeks time.  We are still eating last years chard, just keep cutting it back.  Have already planted 4 new plants but they are still babies and I just cannot bring myself to dig up the old ones when they are still being so productive!
Title: Re: To late for spinach ?
Post by: Icyberjunkie on June 07, 2005, 23:03:19
Commercially last spinach harvest in the UK is October/November so you have lots of time to plant.  You might end up later in the year cropping baby leaf though so sow it thicker than normal.
Title: Re: To late for spinach ?
Post by: tim on June 08, 2005, 07:00:31
With chard, an 8" or so spacing is about right. Doesn't want to be crowded. Goes through the winter.
Title: Re: To late for spinach ?
Post by: westsussexlottie on June 08, 2005, 08:29:41
What about Giant Winter Spinach?
Title: Re: To late for spinach ?
Post by: Multiveg on June 08, 2005, 14:03:37
I have a packet of winter spinach somewhere. Not sure where my spring sown spinach is though....