Here are some tips for growing your own spinach, collards, Chinese cabbage, and mesclun. Spinach Preparing a spot for spinach in the garden is best done in the fall so that, come spring, you can sow the seeds outdoors as soon as the ground thaws. Or, if you live where winters are mild, you can prepare soil and plant in fall. Choose a site in sun or partial shade with well-worked loamy soil that has a pH of 6.4 to 6.8. Additions of composted manure are beneficial.
Spinach grows quickly, increasing in yield right up to the full heat of summer.
When daily temperatures go above 70 degrees F, spinach goes to seed in a hurry. For a continuous supply, plant weekly from April 15 until a few weeks before the ground freezes. In hot regions, stick to spring and fall sowings. Once the seedlings appear, thin plants to four to six inches apart and provide plenty of water to produce succulent leaves and slow down bolting. Mulching around the rows will help keep the soil cool and prevent rain splatter.