Allotments 4 All

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 ?

Nope.  I am going to try a few plants in the next couple of weeks to plant where my earlies currently are.

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.

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.

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 ;)

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

Does spinach behave itself if you sow it in modules? I have far too many slugs and snails to sow it direct.

I have sown mine beneath the sweetcorn, the shade helps keep the moisture in.  It's growng nicely. :)

Once again, Aqui - I don't know about spinach, but chard works fine. Just potted these on from pre-germinating yesterday.

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.

Yes - we're still eating it, but we'll soon be onto this year's.

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!

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.

With chard, an 8" or so spacing is about right. Doesn't want to be crowded. Goes through the winter.

What about Giant Winter Spinach?

I have a packet of winter spinach somewhere. Not sure where my spring sown spinach is though....