Gardenality.com · Gardenality Genius · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F
Bloomsdale in the most popular home gardener spinach. The large eaves of this variety are thick, dark green, and have a crinkled texture. Slow to bolt.

Gardenality.com · Gardenality Genius · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Planting
Spinach grows best in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Before planting always turn in a good amount of organic matter such as composted cow manure or mushroom compost. It can be grown in both spring and fall. Plant it about 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost in the spring, and again 6 to 8 weeks before the first frost in the fall. Space plants about 12 inches apart in the garden. If you want very tender leaves, For the most tender leaves, work blood meal, cottonseed meal, or a time-release vegetable food into the soil. Although it prefers full sun, it will produce a good harvest in partial shade.

Spinach is very cold hardy, tolerating temperatures as cold as the high-teens to low 20's once they are well established. During mild winters in zone 8 southward they often overwinter.

Gardenality.com · Gardenality Genius · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Pruning
Spinach leaves are ready to harvest as soon as they are big enough to eat. The best way to harvest is to just pick the outer leaves. In late spring, when the plants begin to bolt (send up flower stalks) pull the hole plant before it becomes bitter.

Gardenality.com · Gardenality Genius · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Problems
Pests of spinach include flea beetles, spider mites, and aphids, which feed on spinach leaves. If you see these insects on the leaves you can spray with organic Neem oil.

Gardenality.com · Gardenality Genius · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Feeding
Spinach likes a fertile soil. Fertilize it with 10-10-10 or an organic vegetable food about a month after planting transplants. When using 10-10-10 apply about 1.5 pounds per 100 square feet. If using an organic vegetable food follow instructions on product label.