How to Grow Spinach for Beginners

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If you’re on the hunt for tips on How to Grow Spinach for Beginners, you’ve come to the right place. Now is a great time to add it to your spring garden so you can enjoy it fresh this summer and fill your freezer for smoothies and other dishes. Get tips on how to plant, tend, harvest, and store this healthy and versatile green.

It’s also a fantastic addition to your gardening 101 checklist, helping you grow fresh, delicious food right in your own backyard.

When I was a kid, the only thing I knew about spinach was from watching Popeye cartoons. Anytime he needed extra strength, he’d crack open a can and gulp it down like it was some kind of magic potion. For years, I thought spinach was just this mushy thing that only came in cans.

Fast forward to now, and I find myself adding spinach to my recipes every day. From my morning smoothies to a healthy topping on our pizzas it is safe to say it has become a favorite in my fridge and freezer.

Things to Know About Spinach

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is a cool-weather vegetable but can be grown indoors all year long. It’s related to beets and Swiss chard. It’s a fairly fast-growing plant that yields a lot of leaves in a short period of time.

Spinach is an easy crop to grow, whether you choose an indoor hydroponic system, a traditional backyard garden, or containers placed near your kitchen. How simple it is to grow, paired with its amazing health benefits, makes it a fantastic choice for giving your family fresh, nutritious, and delicious meals straight from the garden.

Spinach is known as one of those superfoods because of the many health benefits it provides. A 100g serving of raw spinach provides 2.8g of protein and 2.8g of fiber for only 25 calories. Just the look of it tells you how amazing it is.

Its dark green color provides healthy carotenoids, providing both anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous properties. Spinach also has high levels of iron, anti-oxidants, and vitamins K, A, and C to support a healthy immune system. And if that’s not enough, it also supports brain health and lowers blood pressure. 

You can use spinach in so many ways in your kitchen that you’ll never get bored eating it. Serve it up raw for a delicious salad or cooked and stuffed in chicken, tossed in soups, or served in omelets.

Fun Fact: Did you know that spinach is part of the same family as beets and quinoa? They’re all members of the amaranth family, which means spinach is basically a leafy cousin to these other nutrient-packed plants.

Types of Spinach

Spinach comes in several varieties, each with its own unique qualities that make it perfect for different growing conditions and tastes.

• Savoy Spinach: This type has crinkly, dark green leaves and is known for its rich flavor and vibrant appearance. It’s hardy and thrives in cooler weather, making it great for early spring or fall planting.
• Semi-Savoy Spinach: A cross between savoy and flat-leaf varieties, semi-savoy spinach has slightly less crinkly leaves. It’s easier to clean and perfect for fresh salads or cooking while still maintaining good disease resistance.
• Flat-Leaf Spinach: With smooth, tender leaves, flat-leaf spinach is a favorite for canned or frozen spinach. It’s also easy to rinse and works wonderfully in soups, smoothies, and sautés.
• Baby Spinach: These are young, tender leaves from flat-leaf or semi-savoy varieties. Baby spinach is perfect for fresh dishes like salads, wraps, or as a quick addition to stir-fries.

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How Much Spinach to Plant?

When it comes to growing spinach I like to follow the “Plant more than you need” rule. You probably know what I mean if you’ve ever cooked spinach. A recipe may call for a frighteningly large amount asking you to shove it into a pan that is plainly too small. But after a few minutes, all that spinach cooks down to a surprisingly small amount.

The reason why this happens is that spinach is mostly water meaning it will cook down to almost nothing. If you’re planning on using spinach in some of your recipes, you’ll want to grow plenty of it. On average, you should plan on 15 plants for each family member in order to have a regular and plentiful harvest.

Seeds or Seedlings

When it comes to growing spinach, you’ll need to decide whether to start with seeds or seedlings.

Planting Seeds – Seeds are cost-efficient, offer a wider variety to choose from, and are perfect for direct sowing. Spinach seeds germinate quickly, often within 5-10 days. Germination can sometimes be tricky when using seeds if the soil is too warm or dry. You’ll also need to thin out seedlings to avoid overcrowding. Use seeds if you plan to grow a large amount.

Using Seedlings – Seedlings give you a head start, saving time and making it easier for new gardeners. They’re especially helpful if you’re planting later in the season. They’re more expensive than seeds and may offer limited variety. Transplanting can sometimes stress the plant, slowing growth. Use seedlings if you want a short harvest or if you live in an area with a short growing season.

What You Need to Grow Spinach

To grow healthy, vibrant spinach, you’ll need the right conditions and a bit of preparation. Here is a quick overview of what you need.

• When to Plant: Spinach grows best in cool weather. Plant seeds in early spring as soon as the soil is workable or in late summer for a fall harvest. For a continuous supply, try successive plantings every two weeks.
• Sun: Spinach prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates. Aim for at least 4-6 hours of sunlight daily to keep the plants happy.
• Soil: Use well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Adding compost or aged manure can boost nutrients and support healthy growth.
• Location: Choose a spot with good air circulation and protection from strong winds. Spinach also grows well in containers, making it a versatile option for small spaces or patios.

How to Grow Spinach for Beginners

With the proper temperatures, watering, and fertilizer, you can expect to harvest your spinach crops in about 6-8 weeks from planting. Outdoor planting is best, either in your garden or in pots, to allow for the proper temperatures, but it can grow well indoors as well if the conditions are right.

#1. Temperature

Spinach is happiest in cooler weather, which is why it’s a spring and fall favorite for many backyard gardeners. The ideal temperature for growing spinach is between 50°F and 70°F. If it gets too hot, the plant tends to bolt, which means it flowers and stops producing those tender leaves you want.

For spring planting, aim to get your spinach going as soon as the soil can be worked. And if you’re planting in the fall, try to time it so the seeds have about 6-8 weeks of mild weather before frost arrives.

In colder regions, spinach can survive the winter in a cold frame or under thick mulch. The plants will come back in the warmer weather of spring.

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When to Plant Spinach – Spinach is a cool-weather lover, so aim to plant it in late winter or early spring for a quick early-season harvest. You can also plant again in late summer or early fall once the heat dies down. Since spinach thrives in mild, cooler temps, so avoid planting during the peak of summer.

#2. Sun

Spinach prefers full sun but if you live in a warmer region where summer is especially hot, it will grow fine in partial shade. If you’re growing in the fall, try to choose a spot that will get plenty of sun throughout the day as the days are shorter.

In spring and summer, choosing a spot with partial shade in the afternoon can help prevent the leaves from scorching. If your summers run especially hot, a little shade can go a long way in keeping your spinach happy.

#3. Soil

Planting spinach in soil that is rich in organic material and drains well is your best option for success. Compost with a pH of 6.5 to 7 is best. To improve your soil, you can add a layer of compost over your existing soil.

If planting in a container, use a potting mix that is rich in organic materials. The soil should be a bit crumbly. Well-draining soil is the most important factor to any type of planting so avoid soil that remains waterlogged or gets clogged in the drainage.

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#4. Watering

Spinach likes its soil consistently moist but not overly soggy. Keeping the soil damp helps the plants grow quickly, but too much water can do more harm than good. Be careful not to splash mud on the leaves when watering, as this can weigh them down and increase the risk of disease. Adding mulch, like straw, grass clippings, or shredded leaves, around the plants is a great way to protect them and keep moisture in.

If you’re growing spinach in containers, watch out for water pooling at the bottom (also known as water stagnation), as it can cause root rot and fungal issues. To avoid this, make sure your containers have good drainage. Most already come with drainage holes, but if yours don’t, you can drill some in or simply add a layer of small rocks at the bottom to keep the roots from sitting in wet soil.

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#5. Fertilizing

Spinach thrives in nutrient-rich soil, especially with plenty of nitrogen to develop those signature dark green leaves. Before planting, mix in a general garden fertilizer like 10-10-10 (or 15-10-10 if available) at a depth of about 3 inches. Use about 2-3 pounds per 100 square feet.

Once your plants are up and growing, feed them again about a month later. A water-soluble fertilizer works best for established plants since it’s gentler on their shallow roots. If you prefer granular fertilizer, you can apply it as a side dressing along the rows, just be sure to keep it away from the leaves to avoid burning. After fertilizing, water right away to help nutrients soak into the soil.

How to Plant Spinach

For a germination boost, refrigerate seeds for a week before planting. Spinach seeds germinate in 5-10 days at 70°F but may take up to 21 days in cooler temps.

Planting: Plant seeds about half an inch deep, spacing them 2-4 inches apart in rows 12-14 inches apart. Cover lightly with soil, and label rows to stay organized.

Thinning: Once seedlings sprout, thin out weaker ones by snipping them at soil level. This helps the strongest plants thrive without disturbing their roots.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Water regularly, especially in warm weather, to avoid drying out the roots.

Mulching: Add mulch like straw or grass clippings around your plants. This keeps the soil cool, retains moisture, reduces weeds, and prevents dirt from splashing onto the leaves.

Fertilizing: Before planting, mix compost or general fertilizer into the soil. Once established, side-dress monthly with a water-soluble or granular fertilizer, and water afterward to help nutrients soak in.

Things to Watch for When Growing Spinach

Growing spinach can be rewarding, but like any plant, it comes with its challenges. Keep an eye out for these common issues and tackle them early to keep your spinach thriving.

• Root Rot: Too much water can lead to root rot or fungal diseases. Instead of drenching the soil all at once, water lightly and only as needed to avoid overwatering.
• Pests: Aphids, flea beetles, leaf miners, spider mites, and slugs are all potential troublemakers. If a leaf is heavily infested, pinch it off to prevent the problem from spreading. For flea beetles and spider mites, spray affected plants with Spinosad. To deter slugs, sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your spinach as a natural barrier.
• Rust and Mildew: These fungal diseases can be a headache, but choosing rust-resistant spinach varieties helps. If rust or mildew appears, spray the leaves with compost tea for a natural treatment.
• Mosaic Virus: This virus causes leaves to become mottled or streaked with yellow or white. Unfortunately, there’s no cure. Remove any infected plants immediately to stop it from spreading to healthy ones.

How to Grow Spinach Indoors

Growing spinach indoors is easy and rewarding, giving you fresh greens year-round. Start by choosing a container at least 6-8 inches deep for healthy root growth. Fill it with nutrient-rich potting soil that’s loamy, crumbly, and drains well. Mix in some nitrogen-based fertilizer to help your spinach thrive.

Plant seeds about half an inch deep and keep them around 5 inches apart to avoid overcrowding. They’ll sprout within 5-14 days. Place your container in a spot that gets plenty of sunlight—aim for full sun during cooler months or partial shade if it’s too hot. During shorter days, maximize sun exposure to keep your plants happy.

Ideal temperatures for growing spinach indoors range from 50-60°F, even though germination can start as low as 40°F.

Water the soil until it’s moist but never soggy, and avoid splashing water on the leaves. Keep the soil evenly moist while your plants grow.

How to Harvest Spinach

Harvesting spinach is easy and can be done throughout the growing season. You’ll know it’s ready when the leaves are big enough to eat, usually about 4-6 weeks after planting.

To harvest, grab a sharp knife or scissors and cut the outer leaves at the base of the plant. Be sure to leave the center leaves untouched so the plant can keep growing and producing more. If you’d rather harvest the whole plant, you can cut it off at the base instead. Both methods work, so choose what suits your garden and needs best.

Enjoying Spinach for Months

Start by tossing fresh spinach into a simple salad for dinner to enjoy all those fresh, healthy nutrients right away. Spinach is also a star in so many dishes––you can sauté it, throw it on pizza, mix it into pasta, or add it to a warm bowl of soup.

If you want to save some spinach for later, freezing is an easy option. Wash and dry the leaves first, then pack them into freezer bags. Try to remove as much air as possible––less air means your spinach will stay fresh longer. You can use a straw to suck out the air before sealing the bag. Don’t forget to label the bags with the date. Another option is investing in a vacuum sealer. It’s a handy tool not just for spinach but also for freezing things like meat, bread, and poultry.

Frozen spinach can last up to 12 months, and it’s perfect for adding to smoothies. Just toss in a handful for a quick nutrient boost––you won’t even taste it, though it might turn your drink a lovely shade of green.

Another way to preserve spinach is by dehydrating it. This is a great option for longer storage, and dried spinach can last up to a year in your pantry. If you’re new to dehydrating, a kitchen dehydrator is a solid investment.

It’s versatile and opens up more possibilities for preserving fruits, veggies, and even herbs. There are plenty of guides available to help you learn the process step by step.

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Whether you’re using it fresh, frozen, or dehydrated, spinach is a versatile and delicious way to keep your meals healthy.

Growing Tips for Spinach

Here are a few helpful tips to keep your spinach thriving and tasty.

• If you’re feeling adventurous, try sprouting spinach seeds! It’s a fun way to start a new batch of plants.
• Keep your garden beds free of weeds. They’ll compete with your spinach for sunlight, nutrients, and water, which can stunt growth.
• You can start harvesting spinach as soon as the leaves are big enough to eat. Snip the older, outer leaves first so the younger ones have time to grow.
• If you decide to harvest the whole plant, be sure to cut the leaves about 3 inches above the soil. This gives the plant a chance to grow new leaves for another round of harvesting.
• Remember, older, larger leaves can get a little bitter, so harvesting sooner is always a good idea.
• Don’t forget to give your spinach a good rinse! Spinach can hold onto a bit of grit from the garden. Once cleaned, store it in the fridge for up to a week, or consider freezing, canning, or drying it for long-term storage.

Learning how to grow spinach for beginners is easy, can be done indoors or outside, in a large garden plot, or in a container on your deck. It will feed your family plenty of nutritional meals, and in many areas, can be grown all year long.

With so many benefits, learning how to grow spinach for beginners will complement your family table all summer long. 

More Gardening Resources.

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• How to Grow Peppers in Containers
• How to Grow Beans for Beginners