Spinach

Growing Spinach - Well-Drained, Humus-Rich Soil, Shaded Location

Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is one of the most popular leafy vegetables valued for its nutritional content and versatility in the kitchen. Successful spinach cultivation requires understanding its specific requirements for soil composition and light conditions.

Soil Requirements for Spinach

Spinach thrives in well-drained, humus-rich soil with the following characteristics:

Soil structure: Loose, permeable soil that doesn't retain excess water
Humus content: High organic matter content ensuring nutrient availability and moisture retention
pH level: Slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.5-7.5)
Fertility: Soil rich in nitrogen for optimal leaf development

Light Requirements and Location

Unlike many vegetables, spinach prefers shaded locations or partial shade, especially during warmer months. Direct sunlight and high temperatures can cause premature bolting (flowering), which reduces leaf quality and makes them bitter.

Growing Tips

Plant spinach in spring or autumn when temperatures are cooler
Ensure regular watering to maintain soil moisture
Apply organic fertilizers or compost before planting
Harvest leaves regularly to encourage new growth
Protect plants from excessive summer heat

With proper care and suitable growing conditions, you can enjoy fresh, nutritious spinach from your own garden throughout the growing season.

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As everyone surely knows, spinach contains iron, which is important for the human body. However, that's not all - it's also a storehouse of equally important sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and many other substances.

Spinach leaves contain 88% water and therefore have a beneficial effect on excretory organs.

This vegetable contains beta-carotene, which is an excellent antioxidant. It works against free radicals and is a prevention against cancer.

Beta-carotene maintains healthy, fresh skin and slows down its aging and wrinkle formation.

Worth mentioning is also vitamin A, which is good for our eyesight and helps protect us against, for example, bronchitis. Last but not least, spinach contains folic acid and biotin, which strengthens nails, hair and skin.

Folic acid is recommended for pregnant women because it positively affects fetal development.

Varieties

Previa F1 - this is a variety that is resistant to spinach downy mildew and is very high-yielding

Emilia F1 - the advantage of this late hybrid variety is that it doesn't bolt to flower

Winter Riesen - its large leaves are aromatic, therefore it's great for salads, this variety overwinters without problems

Monores - thanks to its fast growth, it's suitable for early harvest

Carambole - a hybrid variety suitable for both spring and autumn sowing, its great advantage is resistance to mildew and freezing, its leaves have a darker color compared to other varieties

Matador - this is a medium-late variety, suitable for spring and autumn sowing, overwinters well

Lorelay - suitable for spring and autumn sowing, overwinters without problems

Misano F1 - just like Lorelay, it has no problem overwintering and is resistant to low temperatures

Tarpy - spinach with organic quality