I planted half a bed of perpetual spinach in early October. It was a proper variety for autumn sowing, everything as per instructions, yet I've got a mere 7 plants out of perhaps 70 or 80 seeds! :o
Now I know that I'm far better at killing things than growing them, but surely even I can't fail with spinach? ::)
Perhaps it's not the lack of green digits but birds ate the seeds?
I grow mine in modules and unless I cover straight away with fleece the birdies twoink them out. Lost loads that way, so maybe birdies are eating the sprouts?
I cover everything till it gets established cos the pigeons and other bird are fearless around here
When I planted lots of beetroot seedlings at my lottie birds stripped the leaves completely. I thought I lost them all but luckily they grew back and established well. I will cover beetroots from next time!
Hope your remaining plants do well. :)
Thanks for the advice - you may all have the answer. I guess that the emerging seedlings would be tasty treats for the birds. Late though it is, I've put some more seeds in a growbag under polythene, so we'll see if they germinate. It's still so mild that we may be in with a chance. :)
Next time I sow direct, I'll put some netting or fleece over the rows.
Don't forget some of our little slimy friends are still active!
:o