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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: bennettsleg on April 28, 2006, 12:26:32

Title: Spinach & Chard
Post by: bennettsleg on April 28, 2006, 12:26:32
Haven't yet started sowing these yet, but the packet states sow direct, one book says sow in modules and another says wrap in a damp cloth and put in the fridge for 5 days for germination to start.  Am I confused, or what!

Any advice? ???
Title: Re: Spinach & Chard
Post by: katynewbie on April 28, 2006, 13:28:10
 ;D

Yup...I thought the same, so have sowed them all in modules and b***er the consequences! Figure I can sow some direct when I plant these out, so I give myself more chances!!

;)
Title: Re: Spinach & Chard
Post by: supersprout on April 28, 2006, 13:37:02
I used seed tapes at a spacing of 3 inches last year, and ate the thinnings. It worked well so I will do autumn sowing like this for winter spinach this year. I don't bother with summer spinach, I think it prefers cool weather 8)
Title: Re: Spinach & Chard
Post by: Merry Tiller on April 28, 2006, 14:02:10
I usually sow them indoors and they germinate OK, never heard of the fridge thing ???
Title: Re: Spinach & Chard
Post by: Curryandchips on April 28, 2006, 14:31:13
I have only sowed chard direct ... thanks for reminding me, time to get stuck in this weekend :)
Title: Re: Spinach & Chard
Post by: plot51A on April 28, 2006, 14:43:25
Not heard of the fridge thing! I usually sow spinach beet and chard - usually direct but this year doing modules, as I'm not strict enough about thinning! But not had problems with germinating with either method.
Never had much luck with ordinary spinach though - but sowed a row directly yesterday just to see what happens
Title: Re: Spinach & Chard
Post by: tim on April 28, 2006, 16:47:46
I always germinate in damp paper so that I know what I'm planting.

As said before, golden beet - which we grow - are very iffy.
Title: Re: Spinach & Chard
Post by: Motherwoman on April 29, 2006, 07:07:56
I sow my Chard in modules and plant out when a couple of inches high to avoid,as they say,disappointment.When you're not up the plot every day pre-germinated plants seem more reliable.My spinach just pops up where ever it fancies(the previous holder had let a patch seed) so I just leave whatever plants are in a good space,it's as tough as old boots on the survival front,not the eating front!