It has been estimated that a 10 m ( 30 ft ) row of spinach plant supplies just about the right amount for a family of four during the summer months . But one sowing is not sufficient . Fresh young foliation is demanded and where prickly-seeded spinach is much appreciated , successional sowings should be made biweekly between former March and mid - July . For former fall supplying and for pick in the following spring , a sowing should be made in a sheltered position in mid - August .
Spinach needs a rich , well - grasp soil and one which retain wet during the summertime months . For the folio to be really lush , the plants require soaking with water during dry spells . Some gardeners notice that their plants need less weewee if rowing sown in May , June and July are partially shaded by other , taller veg .
Well - rotted farmyard manure orgarden compost should be used in the preparationof the bottom . A suitable binding for sandy soils is 50 kg ( 1cwt ) of manure to 6 sq MiB ( 6 sq yd ) . Garden compost may be used more liberally . cater the soil check sufficient industrial plant nutriments , nofeeding of the plantsis necessary . Rows of August - sown spinach are sometimes feed with nitrate of soda , utilise at the rate of 28 g ( 1 oz ) to each 3 thou ( 10 foot ) of run-in , in early April .
Sow the seed as lightly as possible in 2.5 curium ( 1 in ) mystifying seed drills space 23 cm ( 9 in ) to 30 cm ( 1 foot ) apart . cut the seedling to 7 curium ( 3 in ) as early as possible and set about harvest the leaves as soon as they are of functional size . Do not wait until they are on the tough side . steady operose pick is essential for summer prickly-seeded spinach and almost all of the leaf of a works may be removed at any one clip . plant life from the August sowing should not be treated in this personal manner . Take only the with child leave-taking from them .
` Round Seeded ’ and ‘ retentive Standing ’ are democratic form for spring and former summer sowings . ‘ Long Standing Prickly ’ is hardier and is sow in in August . The word ‘ prickly ’ refers to the source and not to the liquid folio .
Perpetual spinach plant or spinach beetis less well known . Those who know it favor it for its gravid leaves . Sow in April , permit 38 cm ( 15 in ) between the rows . Thin the seedlings to 20 atomic number 96 ( 8 in ) aside . Successional sowings are not necessary because leave-taking may be pulled from the plants on and off between early summertime and September .
