Growing Spinach in Victoria

This leafy green crop is quick and easy to grow. It’s a real winner in the winter garden and thrives in the cold, wet Victorian winters. The growing season is short and as soon as the weather warms and dries, you can expect your spinach to bolt to seed.

Don’t plant your spinach too late. As soon as the weather warms up, it’ll bolt to seed. Spinach has a short growing season in Victoria.

Spinach likes rich soil. Work plenty of compost and well-rotted manure into your soil before planting. Spinach doesn’t like acidic soil. Add some lime, crushed eggshells or ash to your soil if you think it may be too acidic. (A simple test from your local garden center can be used to find the ph. of your soil.)

Sprinkle your seeds over the soil and cover with a layer of compost or soil. The seeds can take more than 10 days to germinate, so don’t worry if your plants are slow to appear, just keep the soil damp, but not wet, until they’re up.

Spinach doesn’t like to have its fine, sensitive roots disturbed. Take care when planting your seedlings out. Smaller plants will usually handle a transplant better. Add a small amount of organic bonemeal to each hole before planting. This will help your spinach develop strong roots. As always, remember to water your seedlings in well.

Pick from your plants often to keep them vigorous. Remove any sick or damaged leaves as soon as you spot them.

Spinach likes lots of water. The winter rains should do most of the work for you, but keep an eye on your spinach and don’t let the soil dry out. Once the weather warms in spring, water your spinach in the heat of the afternoon to cool it down and keep the soil cool for the evening.

Leafy green crops need plenty of nitrogen. Give your plants a nitrogen-rich, liquid feed every 2 weeks. Fish emulsion or manure tea are good options.

Mulching spinach helps to keep the soil moist and cool. Apply a generous layer of organic mulch such as lucerne, sugar cane or peastraw.

Leaves can be harvested at any stage. Harvest the right size leaves for your requirements. Simply cut or pinch the spinach leaves off the plant as you need them.