How to grow spinach in a raised bed

True spinach is a fast, tender cool-season crop that's perfect for a raised bed — sow thickly for a cut-and-come-again supply of leaves at an easy picking height.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun in cool weather, part shade in warm
• Spacing: 10–15 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 23 cm depth
• Time to harvest: 6–10 weeks

When to plant: Spinach likes it cool — sow from autumn through winter and early spring. It bolts fast in heat, so avoid the height of summer. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

Growing them in a raised bed: Sow thinly into rich, moist mix. Pick the outer leaves and let the centre keep growing, or sow a fresh short row every few weeks.

Watering and feeding: Keep the mix evenly moist — dry, stressed spinach bolts to seed. Feed lightly for fast, tender leaves.

Common pests: keep an eye out for aphids, slugs and snails and caterpillars. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.

Common diseases: the main ones are downy mildew and mosaic virus. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.

Companion plants: Strawberries, brassicas and beans are all good companions. See our companion planting guide.

Harvest and storage: Pick the outer leaves young and often, or cut the whole plant. Use it fresh — it wilts quickly once picked.

Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Yercaud-elango, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.