Part IV · Crop record 16

Spinach

Spring spinach supplied greens and a seed-saving lesson; all three new fall rows germinated by August 22 after emerging a day behind lettuce.

2026 STATUSAll three rows germinated← all crop stories

Growth timeline

The season in three field marks

MAY 20–JUL 1

Spring leaves were harvested, selected plants matured seed, and the row was cleared.

AUG 17

Three rows direct-sown as part of the garden's first lunar-timed planting.

AUG 21–22

Still below the surface when lettuce first emerged; all three rows germinated by the follow-up.

01

Planting

Spinach shared the right-hand cool-season row with lettuce and onions.

02

Fertilization

Prepared soil supplied the short spring crop; no late feed was used once seed maturation became the goal.

03

Irrigation

Rain and drip tape maintained spring moisture, while warmer weather naturally brought the leaf harvest to an end.

04

Pest history

No spinach pest was documented.

05

Harvest progression

Leaves were harvested in May; a portion of the crop was then reserved for seed rather than additional greens.

06

Companion record

Shared the cool-season row with lettuce and onions.

07

Organic practices

Seasonal timing, observation of bolting, and on-plant seed maturation were used.

08

Yield

Leaf harvest and seed-saving material were recorded, but neither was weighed.

What I’d change next year

Mark the best plant for seed before harvest, bag mature stems, and record how much seed germinates in a fall test.

Next crop recordTomatoesMain tomatoes stayed vigorous through August 22 with increasing visible fruit set; volunteer cherry tomatoes supplied another harvest while many green clusters and flowers remained.