Perpetual spinach.

[caroline7758]

I've never grown this before but sowed some seeds in the autumn in my cold greenhouse. they have survived the winter and I potted some up today, but I'm wondering how many plants I need. there are only two of us most of the time.

[caroline7758]

[telboy]

Hi caroline,
Try six plants. There will be plenty of leaves when they are bigger. I have trouble with them going to seed, but a couple stay OK.

[steve1967]

Hi Caroline,

We tried this the year before last. once it gets going you get plenty on each plant. I planted six and struggled to keep up with them. This year we are going to have some more but I will only do four plants and thats for four of us.

That was the first time I have planted it and was surprised with the results. Hope this helps.

[caroline7758]

Sounds good- I'd potted up 5 before i posted, so that sounds about right. Might do a couple more just in case!

[Ian Pearson]

I'd sow a few more in a month or two, as the autumn ones are likely to run to seed by the end of the summer. The second sowing will keep cropping in to the winter.

[caroline7758]

Thanks for the tip, Ian- I'll make a note in my diary!

[ancellsfarmer]

If they go to seed or get too many coarse leaves, simply behead them(10cm above the root!) and they will shoot again.
Liquid feed helps them (compost tea or Tomorite)