How to Grow Spinach: From Seed to Harvest

This tutorial will teach you how to grow spinach, from seed to harvest-- including: when to plant spinach, how to direct sow spinach OR start spinach indoors, soil, water, light & fertilizer requirements for spinach, and when & how to harvest spinach.
For more information on growing spinach, check out Tips & Tricks for Growing Great Spinach from Seed: • Tips & Tricks for Grow...
00:00 Intro
00:19 When to plant spinach
01:09 How to direct sow spinach
01:47 A note on spinach spacing
03:09 How to start seed indoors & transplant
04:44 Best soil for spinach
05:11 Light requirement for spinach
05:30 Care & maintenance of spinach as it grows- fertilizer & water
06:04 Harvesting spinach
Some of the links included here are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you. I will only recommend items I love and should you choose to make a purchase, it helps support the channel! Thank you! 💚
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[@joshuam0289]

Michigan and Ohio have always been “rival states” lol but in the world of gardening, we are neighbors. Enjoy watching all of your videos 😊

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

So true!! And I'm glad you are enjoying the videos!

[@cherigeitz7798]

My fall spinich made it through central iowa winter. 😊 nice to walk out and get fresh spinich starting in February

[@5points7019]

I'm your garden neighbor! I had mache still green in my raised bed until the blizzard took it out. I've got garlic in there, and spinach and garlic play nice together so they will have a play date soon

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Nice!!

[@stevefabian-ud2it]

Another informative video for our area Jenna ! I'm always surprised at how early we can start "cold crop" veggies. Keep up the great videos !

[@tuansimplelife]

Thank you ! This is the first time Tuan has learned and followed a beautiful, talented woman how to grow this wonderful vegetable. Wishing you good health and success, dear friend from Vietnam 🌹🇻🇳❤️

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Thank you! 💚

[@brianczuhai8909]

Let's see if we can get her to grow Boc Choy or Pac Choy. Just 30-40 days, makes them a winner. I plant them after my onion harvest late summer. Easy, and always successful. I'm not a fan of carrots, or radishes.

[@the-bricks-of-discovery]

*Did you know?* Spinach contains vitamins A, C, and E. All 3 of those things are nice for your immune system; Vitamin A also plays a role in supporting your vision, Vitamin C plays a role in supporting your skin, and vitamin E plays a role in forming red blood cells (Viruses and bacteria are the things Vitamin E helps your immune system protect you from).

[@vincevoland7056]

Morgan County Ohio here. I seeded some spinach 2 years ago. Still picking off the same plants. I just let them do their thing. They don't die!

[@juliaderi4175]

Wow!! Do they re-seed in the same place or are they the same plants you planted initially?

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Nice!

[@BrianM-44041]

My garden is flourishing here in Geneva Ohio! Thank you for your videos. Best of luck this year 🤞

[@juliaderi4175]

Please keep the how-to guides coming!🙌 I'm in my mid 30's and have been gardening for 11 years and still learn so much from you! Bought several of your favorites recommendations, including spinach. LOVE your videos!! 🩷

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You got it!

[@barbaravanerp4598]

I love the idea of the baby leaf spinach thinning idea! I did not know tight spacing could cause bolting. Thanks!

[@Muddysmind]

Hello fellow Ohioian! Thanks for the info, helped me figure out my spinach strategy this spring.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Best wishes for a bountiful spinach harvest this season!

[@jeremyheath6178]

Bout that time again !

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yes indeed!

[@johnjude2685]

Will see you Saturday on Urban Gardener I'm getting radishes and bunching onions this coming week. I have cellly seeds also to start outside Peppers inside started to root some tomatoes, too Thanks

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You sure will! I'm nervous 😄

[@RePetesBees]

Spot on, Exact practice i use here in CT zone 6a. Love your videos. always so informative to watch and never 'dry' or overly repetitive video. thank you!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Great to hear!

[@JFEnterprize]

So do you direct sow or start indoors. Here today to see if I’m doing something g wrong. Tried in a 6 compartment tray from the 72 cell starter. Not one free. ☹️

[@RePetesBees]

@@JFEnterprize Depends on what it is... most things I start indoors. Easier to control temp and moisture that way. As long as you have viable seed, and dial in temp and moisture, most seeds you could sprout using nothing else but a paper towel if you wanted. If you bought a pre-made seed starter tray, chances are you have bad seed, or you u missed temp/moisture.

[@mikefrench3800]

Great info! I'm sharing this with Popeye

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

😆

[@jasoncar7215]

North Alabama here. I plant at the spacing level so that way I can also replant as necessary. I do not like wasting seeds

[@johnjude2685]

I noticed the Asian house you used today. My wife didn't like mine, then I realized she's left handed. I'm a Blacksmith Hobbiest, so I made her a left-hand model, and she "dig" now. I made a handle almost 3 ft as she has foot surgery and needs to sit.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

What a great thing to make for your wife!

[@user-vi4zw8ps1c]

Let’s get fired up !

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

🙌🔥

[@a_l_e_k_sandra]

Great, concise video. Thank you, Jenna.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad it was helpful!

[@zilvercederbom]

Thanks for the advice. After a long winter, I'm itching to do more of my newfound gardening hobby, and spinach seems like a fun choice to start off the season with.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Spinach is a great way to kick off the season!

[@franksinatra1070]

I grow most of my spinach in the fall but as you mentioned the challenge is getting the seeds to germinate in the warmer soil. I found that planting in well screened or fine soil in the fall seems to help germination. The mistake I've been making is amending the bed with unfinished compost and trying to get the spinach to germinate in that and it usually doesn't work so well. But I eventually do get it going. I cover with a mini poly tunnel and I'm able to get occasional pickings in the dead of winter but by March I'm picking once a week and eating spinach salads 100% until my lettuce comes in in May. Great to eat off the garden all year around!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Getting that jump start is great! And you're right, there's not much more rewarding than being able to eat out of the garden year round!

[@Backwoodz_Genetics]

I have had no problem germinating spinach with a seedling heater mat my peppers took weeks to germinate mustard and spinach took right off. Going out this week though

[@gregj2647]

I’ve had terrible luck getting seeds to germinate indoors and it might be too warm. I didn’t realize that spinach germinates better in colder soil. Very informative video

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

This may be the key for you-- that warmth factor can be a big one for spinach!

[@gregj2647]

@@GrowfullywithJenna do you think 68° is too warm?

[@WesternMONo-TillGardening]

Spinach is one of the vegetables I haven't mastered yet, so this was very helpful. Thank you.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm glad it was helpful!

[@dalspartan]

Houston here, sow in late September and hope for a “cool” October

[@91210paige]

Great video! Keep them coming!!! I'm in New England and just starting out 2024. Have some potatoes in grow bags, Some Eggplants, broccoli and tomatoes under the grow lights. Just put a few onion sets out. 3 types of tomato seeds planted indoors yesterday. I didn't know you could transplant spinach. Thanks for the tip. I'll be trying that this year

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad you liked it!

[@benjaminh.7698]

Thank you for the insightful and informative video! 🙌 I truly appreciated the clarity and depth of your explanations. Could you please create more content like this? I’m eager to learn and expand my knowledge. Looking forward to your next video!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yes- I'm hoping to cover as many garden veggies as I can in this manner!

[@fah6601]

We're in early autumn here in Cape Town so I'm looking to start planting spinach. Thank you for these tips as last year, I tried growing and saw some growth but they died, so hoping for better luck this time

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I hope they do well for you this year!

[@StealthNinja7]

Great video! Lesson learned, before asking a question, watch the entire video lol.

[@bublhed]

I’ve always struggled with growing spinach but this year I have some in my winter sowing jug that germinated 😊. I hope it continues successfully!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

That's exciting! I hope it does great for you!

[@lout9036]

Thank You Jenna for the info

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You're welcome!

[@rachelgalus]

I’ve never grown spinach. I’ll have it on my list for this fall!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Glad to hear you're going to try it this fall!

[@cpoco]

Awesome advice and it does confirm for me something I'd suspected... me trying to start new seedlings in my greenhouse while we are still getting temperatures of 34-36c was beyond optimistic. I might try moving my propagators into the garage where it's cooler until they've sprouted (not spinach but a few different seeds including cauliflower). Thanks as always!

[@naturalyawd7814]

Was about to plant spinach today, but after i planted Bok Choy, Kale and Swiss chard, i remember that i didn't plant the darn Spinach. In Massachusetts it's also somewhat of a good time to plant Spinach.

[@Javaman92]

You always do such a good job. I bet you will not be surprised to learn that I sow my seed at what I feel the spacing needs to be and then come back if needed and fill in anything that didn't grow or grow well. I'm curious. I recently learned about just how dire the bird and butterfly population has crashed and plan on planting native plants to help them out here. Since 1970 we have lost almost 3 BILLION birds! The monarch butterfly is on the endangered list and their numbers have actually dropped below the extinction threshold. Since the birds depend on caterpillars to survive and a large amount of them need specific native plants... well. That is why I am planting to meet those needs. Thoughts?

[@Javaman92]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWbGiZaZjN1jaZIsi=mE1tsQBQoMMpR--6

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm with you-- I've been researching a lot more on native plants to replace popular landscaping plants and figuring out ways to incorporate more of them into and around my veggie garden as well as the flower beds around the house!

[@cheaputhyvan4705]

Thanks for sharing

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You're welcome!

[@gabbirae7274]

Yay! Very helpful!

[@zoebellehigh1960]

Amazing thank you!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

You're very welcome!

[@user-jt5sp6uq1x]

Nice dear ❤

[@raist315]

The day this comes out, I get buried under 3 inches of lake effect snow. That's Ohio. But I'm looking forward to getting some spinach going.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

We got a little bit of that snow... but not 3"!! You are right-- that is Ohio 😆

[@Firevine]

I love spinach, and growing it would definitely be nice, but we've got such a short window of time here in Georgia for lots of crops I enjoy. I've definitely struggled with spinach and brassicas.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Do you grow spinach over the winter there?

[@Firevine]

@@GrowfullywithJenna I haven't tried it over winter. The past two winters have been particularly brutal here. Temps low enough to even turn kale into mush.

[@christiensgarden3325]

Different topic.. how does a person become a seed trail job? Like your full time job..

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I'm hoping to create a video about this soon, as I've had lots of questions about it!

[@samanthahoos9827]

I prefer to grow my spinach in Greenstalks so it’s lifted off the ground away from most pests, stays cleaner (I hate washing greens) and is placed closer to my kitchen doors for quick pick & pick again harvesting.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Smart idea!

[@cathypayton4804]

What kind do you recommend to grow? I would like to try canning some this year 😊

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Hello! I've got some variety recommendations in the video which is coming out later today!

[@danrcockerham]

Once harvested at ground level, will the leaves continue coming back, or once cut, are they done????? Thanks for the video!

[@aclaus596]

Should I put them under grow lights

[@5points7019]

Only after they sprout.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yes- they will need to be under lights once they germinate.

[@brianczuhai8909]

Hey you. I think you have a starter fertilizer experiment going on. 10 different fertilizers, 10 seeds each. You did a YT Short, but I’m too challenged to find it now to comment there. Any updates? I need to order speciality seeds and gardening supplies. Just give them a 0-10 rating, and average it. Pics help. Do a Short girl. Show rating list. We need you!

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yes! Hoping to have that video out within a week or so... some really interesting results! But I can give you a sneak peak-- some of the best performers are AgroThrive Organic Fruit & Flower, SUPERthrive Liquid Organic All Purpose Plant Food, and Jobe's Fast Start Granular Plant Food.

[@brianczuhai8909]

@@GrowfullywithJenna Thanks Jen. I’ve heard good things and others using Agrothrive 3-3-2 blend. I used the 3-3-5 blend on my fruiting tomatoes and it worked excellently. I used Alaska 5-1-1 after planting and that gave everything a nice boost. It’ll be interesting on how you’re supposed to add granulars to seedlings. I had to grow comfortable using my organic liquids. Quick, easy, but expensive, smelly, and BROWN. Plants seem to love them though. Can’t wait, hurry! Do a short tease post and picture. Make us beg for the video.

[@julie-annepineau4022]

Well that explains why I struggle with spinach. Our soil temps don't warm up until we are at 13+ hours of daylight and we have acidic soil here. Any work arounds beyond afternoon shade for the day length issue?

[@erikahuxley]

The comment directly below yours has a good recommendation, use shade cloth.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I would opt for raised beds for planting, as the soil in these will typically warm up much more quickly than in-ground beds. You can also cover the soil surface with clear plastic, poly or old glass windows to help warm the soil. Spinach is also a great candidate for growing in containers.

[@jeannamcgregor9967]

I live in a mild winter 10a climate and have had terrible luck with spinach. This year I put 2" transplants outside during a cloudy cool 50's period (thinking I didn't have to harden them if light was diffuse enough) but they have stunted and are not growing. Leaves are deep green but tiny. Did I shock them? 💚

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

How long have they been in the ground?

[@supernoleva129]

Would you try to grow spinach in a 20 cubic foot pot in a container er garden?

[@Patticombs]

Jenna, what level of shade cloth would you recommend for spinach in zone 7b (central Oklahoma) I have a garden that is in full sun almost the entire day and this is my first time to use shade cloth.

[@Amanda-cn3pk]

Im 8b and grown mine in pots then move to shade as temps warm up in spring to extend harvest.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I generally use 30- 40% shade cloth, which works well here in Ohio.

[@michelerichard5523]

If Spinach is daylight sensitive, is this perhaps why mine bolts growing under my grow lights that are on 18 hours. It isn’t warm in the room but the spinach bolts on me. Can it bolt if the roots are starting to circle within the pot and perhaps want a bigger pot.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Yes and yes. When I start my seedlings under lights I opt for 12 hours or less. And pot bound spinach will definitely be prone to bolting.

[@ThePhantomofFilm]

Got my spinach seeds planted and of course the temperatures crashed

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I suspect they'll still be just fine!

[@Massaycel]

When to plant spinach in NYS

[@bobby350z]

Iput sone seeds 2 weeks ago. No germination at all. I am zone 9b.

[@erikahuxley]

You're in a hot climate coming toward summer. I wouldn't grow spinach until its cools down to 70*F and below.

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I agree with @erikahuxley-- it may be getting too warm in your area.

[@bradcarby3765]

Cliff notes: 1. Plant seeds 2. Wait

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

Silly me... wasting time providing details 😆

[@stevefabian-ud2it]

Another informative video for our area Jenna ! I'm always surprised at how early we can start "cold crop" veggies. Keep up the great videos !

[@johnjude2685]

Last year, when she said radishes both early and late planting, I tried, and she right best I've had and even better eating The more I listen, 😂the better my garden gets

[@GrowfullywithJenna]

I find it fun to keep pushing the boundaries of seasons... the nice thing is that these cool season veggies really extend our active gardening season here in Ohio from 3 or 4 months to 8+ months!