Re: spinach

 

heidihere@webtv.net (Heidi H) wrote:


    I'm in Florida on the cusp of the "old" USDA zones 9 & 10. I plant
greens, including spinach, according to the planting depth suggested on
the package, in Sept-Oct. (depending on average temperatures) and again
in Feb-Mar, again depending on anticipated temperatures. Of course
because of the wide-row planting, spacing is somewhat closer. The
tradition down here is that Valentine's day is the latest that spring
greens can be planted with the expectation of actually getting a crop
before they bolt prematurely. Throughout much of FL, Spring is approx.
10 days in late Feb or early Mar. and then it's summertime.
    At any rate, the point is: Follow the instructions on the package
for planting depth and the seeds may safely be spaced considerably
closer than specified, particularly, if wide-row planted. Common
problems with germination (discounting improper seed storage) are
planting depth, excess soil compaction, and overwatering. Old-timers in
the South frequently simply sow "greens" seeds in a fairly wide swath
and rake them in with a lawn rake and water sparingly until germination.