Spinach is a popular cut and come again crop, make sure you cut the older leaves first for better production. If the plants get stressed they will start to bolt or with other words run to seed. Once spinach starts to bolt it is actually hard or impossible to stop them flowering. You can pinch out the growing stalk and this will encourage the plants to grow a few more leaves but prevention is a much better option.
How to prevent bolting
– Plant spinach in fertile, moisture retentive soil and if the soil is free draining dig in plenty of manure or compost the previous year. This will retain more water in the summer. I know this year is not an issue but who knows August might be very hot, just when you want a lovely spinach salad.
– Grow spinach in a shady area, between rows of peas or rows of climbing beans. Too much direct sunshine will encourage spinach going to seed. Spinach is a perfect veg for those shady spots in the garden as a few hours of direct sun is enough for them.
– Sow spinach seeds every two – three weeks. This will ensure you have fresh, young leaves for longer.
– As soon as the spinach seedlings are large enough thin them out leaving at least 10 cm between your plants, as crowded plants will run into seed easily.
– Keep the soil moist at all times, spinach loves water and if the soil dries out for a day the plants will bolt.
