Soil requirements
- Compost-rich mix. Spinach is a heavy feeder for a small plant.
Watering
- Keep the top inch moist until germination, which can take 1–2 weeks in cold soil.
Sunlight
Spring and fall sun. Long, hot days trigger bolting.
Planting
- Sow 4–6 weeks before the last frost, and again in late summer for fall.
- Successive small sowings beat one giant row that all bolts together.
Spacing
- 3–6 inches. Square-foot: 9 or 16 depending on leaf size you want.
Common problems
Bolting
Heat and long days. Harvest and replant chard or lettuce in shade.
Poor germination
Warm soil or old seed. Pre-sprout in the fridge if summers start early.
Helpful tools
- Row cover for flea beetles and a bit of frost
Product links will be added when independently researched. See the garden tools hub for buying criteria.
Frequently asked questions
Spinach or chard for a hot climate?
Chard. Spinach is a spring/fall crop in most of the US South and inland West.