Plant Spinach Early

[Jeffery]

I had been trying to grow spinach for many years with mixed success... but last year I finally learned the secret: You have to plant spinach very early. It actually germinates better in cool soil. Seed it directly into the garden as early as the soil can be worked. 

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[Deleted]

Yes early, Spinach will bolt and seed in warm weather, even here in Oregon. Chard does not....James

[willowgirl]

I like to grow it in containers because often the garden is still too wet to till when it's time to plant it.

[solargeek]

Apr 1, 2015 3:57:08 GMT Jeffery said:

I had been trying to grow spinach for many years with mixed success... but last year I finally learned the secret: You have to plant spinach very early. It actually germinates better in cool soil. Seed it directly into the garden as early as the soil can be worked. 

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Question – – how cool is too cool?
We may have nighttime temperatures in the mid 30s – high 40s until mid-May. Daytime temps are almost always higher, but we could have light frost.

Will spinach survive those type of temperatures or what I need row covers and Woodrow covers even be enough?

[TommyIce]

That's what I do too willowgirl. In fact, despite the yard garden space, I do a lot in containers. Although mine are not as prettily painted as the ones you have in your forum pic.

I'll be getting those ship shape this weekend (weather permitting--we've been having a lot of rain and even a spot of snow last night)

[paquebot]

How cool to plant spinach is whatever it is just before the snow clouds move in and the ground freezes. One can't get any earlier than my spinach and chard. Planted them in October. Spinach is one of those which will germinate at 32ºF. Ideal temperature is 50ºF.

Martin

[Jeffery]

Solargeek; Spinach is hardy, it is a cool season crop. Plant it in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked.
Here in southern Minnesota, we need to seed it in April.