How to Grow Spinach: A Prepper’s Guide to This Nutritious Super Green

Spinach is one of the best greens you can grow in your survival garden, and trust me, it’s a game-changer. Whether you’re prepping for the long haul or simply looking for a versatile, nutrient-packed addition to your garden, spinach is a fantastic option. Not only does it thrive in cooler weather, but it also offers tons of health benefits, making it a perfect addition to your long-term survival food stash.

Let’s dive into how to grow this powerhouse green from seed to harvest, so you can enjoy fresh, homegrown spinach right from your own survival garden.

Why Grow Spinach?

➡ Nutrient Powerhouse: Spinach is loaded with iron, vitamins A, C, K, and several B vitamins, plus it’s high in fiber and antioxidants. It’s a prepper’s dream for boosting health and immunity.

➡ Cold-Weather Tolerant: Spinach thrives in cooler weather, making it perfect for early spring or fall planting in almost any region.

➡ Fast Growth: From seed to harvest, spinach is one of the fastest-growing leafy greens, making it ideal for prepping and stockpiling.

➡ Versatile Use: Spinach can be eaten fresh in salads, tossed into smoothies, or sautéed as a side dish. You can also freeze it for future use in soups, stews, or other recipes.

Choosing the Right Spinach Variety

There are two main types of spinach that are commonly grown:

Savoy Spinach: This variety has curly, dark green leaves, often seen in fresh salads. It's hardy and perfect for spring or fall gardening.

Smooth-Leaf Spinach: This type has flat, smooth leaves and is easier to clean. It's ideal for both fresh consumption and freezing.

Both varieties are great for prepping, so choose whichever one suits your garden space or your personal taste preference.

When to Plant Spinach

Spinach thrives in cooler temperatures, so planting it at the right time is essential for optimal growth. The ideal soil temperature for spinach is between 50°F (10°C) and 60°F (16°C).

Spring Planting: Plant spinach as early as possible once the soil is workable. In many areas, this means planting in early to mid-spring. Spinach is frost-tolerant, so don’t worry if there are still chilly nights.

Fall Planting: You can also plant spinach for a late summer or fall harvest. Spinach can handle light frosts and actually tastes sweeter after being exposed to cold weather.

If you live in a warmer climate, you can plant spinach in the fall, as it tends to bolt (go to seed) in hot summer weather.

How to Plant Spinach

1. Prepare the Soil: Spinach loves rich, well-draining soil. It thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.5-7.0), so you may want to amend your soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting. Add a bit of fertilizer if needed, but spinach doesn’t need a lot of nutrients to grow.

2. Plant the Seeds: Directly sow spinach seeds in the garden about 1/2 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart. If you're growing multiple rows, space them about 12-18 inches apart to give the plants enough room to spread out.

3. Watering: Water spinach regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Spinach likes consistent moisture, especially during its early growth stages.

4. Thinning: Once your spinach starts sprouting, thin the seedlings to about 4-6 inches apart to give them enough space to grow large, healthy leaves.

How to Care for Spinach as It Grows

➡ Sunlight: Spinach grows best in full sun or partial shade. If you're planting in the summer, try to give your spinach a bit of shade during the hottest part of the day to prevent bolting.

➡ Temperature: Spinach prefers cool temperatures, so if you're growing it in a warmer climate, consider planting it in the fall or early spring to avoid the intense summer heat.

➡ Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but make sure it drains well to avoid soggy roots. Be mindful of spinach’s tendency to develop fungal diseases in overly wet soil.

➡ Mulching: Mulch around your spinach plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the roots cool.

Dealing with Pests and Problems

Spinach is pretty low-maintenance, but like any crop, it can attract a few pests.

Aphids: Aphids can sometimes infest spinach, especially in warmer weather. You can remove them by spraying your plants with a mixture of water and mild soap.

Slugs: Slugs love spinach, so if you're dealing with these pests, set up slug traps or use natural slug repellents like diatomaceous earth around the base of the plants.

Bolting: When temperatures rise, spinach may go to seed (bolt), causing it to turn bitter. If you notice bolting, you can still save the seeds for future plantings.

Harvesting Spinach

Spinach is one of the quickest crops to harvest! It typically takes 4-6 weeks from planting to start picking.

Baby Spinach Leaves: For tender, baby spinach leaves, start harvesting when the leaves are about 3-4 inches long. Simply use scissors or your fingers to snip off the outer leaves, leaving the inner leaves to keep growing.

Mature Spinach: For full-sized spinach, wait until the leaves are large enough to use in your cooking. Harvest by cutting the outer leaves first and leaving the center of the plant to continue growing.

If you're growing spinach for storage, harvest the leaves when they're fully grown. You can freeze spinach for later use by blanching it first and then storing it in airtight containers or freezer bags.

Spinach in Your Prepper Pantry

Growing spinach not only gives you a fresh, nutritious green to add to your meals, but it also allows you to stockpile a healthy food source for the future. Whether you freeze the leaves, dry them, or turn them into soups, stews, or smoothies, spinach is versatile enough to work in a variety of prepper meals. Plus, it's quick to grow and doesn't require a lot of space, making it perfect for any survival garden, big or small.

Sassy Prepper Tips for Success:

Succession Planting: To keep a steady supply of spinach, plant new seeds every couple of weeks. This way, you’ll always have fresh leaves for your salads, soups, and meals.

Keep It Cool: Spinach doesn’t like the heat, so planting it early in the season or in the fall is key. If you’re in a warm climate, plant spinach in the shade during the hot months for the best results.

Compost: Spinach thrives in nutrient-rich soil, so add some compost to your garden to give it the best growing conditions possible.

Spinach is an easy-to-grow, fast-harvesting, and incredibly nutritious addition to your survival garden. Not only will it keep you nourished and healthy, but it’ll help you make the most of your garden space while adding a variety of flavors to your meals. Whether you're eating it fresh, freezing it for later, or adding it to soups and stews, spinach is an essential crop every prepper should grow.

Now get out there, plant some spinach, and add this super-green to your prepper pantry! 🌱