The hidden trick to growing perpetual spinach year-round
The Hidden Trick to Growing Perpetual Spinach Year-Round
Do you know what’s better than feasting on homegrown veggies? Feasting on them all year round! If you’ve ever dreamed of having a garden that keeps on giving, let me introduce you to one of the best-kept secrets in home gardening: perpetual spinach. With a few easy tricks (and a little love), you can grow this hardworking, flavour-packed leafy green every single day of the year. Intrigued? Keep reading – your garden (and your dinner plate) will thank you.
Why Perpetual Spinach Is the MVP of Your Garden
First off, let’s clear the air about this humble hero: perpetual spinach isn’t *technically* spinach. It’s actually a chard, but don’t let that fool you. It tastes just like spinach, grows a bajillion times easier, and can handle all kinds of weather. It’s kinda like that super chill friend who makes everything look effortless – rain or shine, perpetual spinach doesn’t back down. The best part? It keeps producing leaves like its name promises – perpetually. You harvest a few leaves, and more grow back. It’s like magic. And for anyone starting out on their gardening journey or looking to keep things simple, this veggie is your new best mate.
How to Grow Perpetual Spinach Like a Pro
OK, there’s no need to overthink this. Growing perpetual spinach is as beginner-friendly as it gets. Here are a few steps to get you growing year-round:
1. Start with the Right Seeds
It all begins with high-quality seeds. When it comes to perpetual spinach, trust me, not all seeds are created equal. For lush, abundant greenery that keeps you going all year, grab a pack of D.T. Brown Perpetual Spinach Seeds. These little beauties come in generous packs (100 seeds!), giving you plenty to work with.
2. Pick the Perfect Spot
Perpetual spinach isn’t fussy, but give it a prime position, and you’ll get an applause-worthy harvest. Look for a spot that gets about 4–5 hours of sunlight daily. If you’ve only got a shady patch in the garden, not to worry – it’ll still grow (this plant basically refuses to let you down). Soil-wise, ensure it’s well-drained and enriched with nutrient-rich compost. If you’re starting fresh, simply mix in a few scoops of organic matter. Think of it as giving your seedlings a VIP treatment to kickstart their growth.
3. Sow the Right Way
Plant your seeds about 1cm deep and 30cm apart. That spacing bit is worth paying attention to if you want healthy, hearty plants. Once sown, give them a good drink of water – but don’t go overboard. They’re tough little things, so soggy soil can overwhelm them. Bonus tip: Stagger your planting! Sow some seeds every few weeks to ensure year-round harvesting. This strategy can keep you munching on fresh leaves whether it’s summer or winter. Brilliant, right?
4. Keep It Happy
This bit couldn’t be simpler. Give your perpetual spinach regular water – enough to keep the soil moist, but not swampy – and watch for any weeds muscling in on their space. As your plants grow, feed them every month with an organic fertiliser, like the ones available at our garden centre. A happy plant means a happy gardener!
When and How to Harvest
Here’s the fun part: harvesting! You can start picking leaves about six to eight weeks after planting – as soon as they’re big enough to eat. Pro tip? Snip the outer leaves first and leave the inner ones intact. This method keeps the plant growing strong and keeps you resupplied with greenery. In case you were wondering – yes, you can harvest in winter, too! Perpetual spinach laughs in the face of the cold. A fleece or cloche during the chilliest months gives it a little extra protection, but otherwise, it’s impressively sturdy.
A Cupboard of Culinary Ideas
Once you’ve got perpetual spinach on hand, the kitchen possibilities are endless. Toss it into salads, throw it in your morning omelette, or sauté it with garlic and olive oil for the simplest (but yummiest) side dish ever. You can even pop it straight into your stews and soups. Honestly, you’re going to wonder how you survived without it. And the flavour? It’s fresh, mild, and ever so satisfying. Bonus: it’s packed with iron and vitamins A and C, so it’ll add a big health kick to your meals.
The Trick to Keeping It Truly Perpetual
Here’s the game-changer: don’t pull out your plants at the end of the season. Perpetual spinach will keep producing for several months – even years! Just trim what you need, let it do its thing, and watch as it keeps on giving. Keep your soil healthy by mulching after major harvests, and your green treasure will stick around to reward you.
Ready to Start Your Spinach Journey?
Whether you're a beginner gardener or a seasoned grower looking to simplify your setup, perpetual spinach is an absolute must for your patch. Plant it once, care for it a little, and you’ll have a steady supply of fresh, homegrown greens no matter the season. Pop by to see us at Strathalbyn H Hardware – we’ve got all the seeds, tools, and gardening advice you could ever need. Let’s grow something amazing together. Happy gardening!
Candeece
