Holly's Homestead — Leafy Green
Spinach
Spinacia oleracea · Amaranth family
DIFFICULTY Easy
TYPE Annual, cool season, direct sown
MATURITY 40–50 days
TYPE Annual, cool season, direct sown
MATURITY 40–50 days
Sun
Full–part sun
Water
Consistent
Soil pH
6.5–7.5
Spacing
10–15cm
Depth
1–2cm
01Cool-season quick crop
True spinach bolts fast once days lengthen and warm up. Grow it through the cooler months, and switch to a heat-tolerant substitute like English spinach or silverbeet in summer.
02Planting
Method
Direct sow; thin as seedlings crowd.
Soil
Rich, moisture-retentive, high organic matter.
Timing
Sow through autumn, winter, and early spring.
Planting timing varies significantly by Australian climate zone. Set your zone above (or use the Find My Climate Zone tool) for guidance tailored to your own area.
03Growing care
- Thin to final spacing early.
- Keep soil consistently moist.
- Harvest outer leaves regularly to prolong the crop.
- Pull at the first sign of bolting — leaves turn bitter.
04Problems
- Bolting — warmth and long days; grow in the cool season only.
- Leaf miner — pale tunnels in leaves; remove affected leaves.
- Downy mildew — humid weather; improve airflow.
- Slow growth — nutrient-poor soil; feed regularly.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Leaves reach usable size, before any sign of a flower stalk forming.
Method
Cut outer leaves or the whole plant at the base.
Curing
None needed.
Storage
Fridge crisper, a few days.
Preserving
See Freezing Produce (blanching and freezing a glut) for ways to keep a harvest surplus.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
StrawberryBrassicasPeasAvoid nearby
PotatoRotation note
Fast crop; rotate loosely with other families.
