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 should I plant spinach?

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 garden calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

• Subtropical (Brisbane & SEQ): April to August
• Temperate (Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth): March to August
• Cool & mountain (Tasmania, Canberra, highlands): February to April and August to September
• Tropical (Cairns, Darwin): May to July
• Arid inland: March to August

How do I grow spinach 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.

How often should I water and feed spinach?

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

What pests attack spinach?

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

What diseases affect spinach?

The main ones are downy mildew and mosaic virus. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.

What grows well with spinach?

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

When do I harvest spinach?

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 garden 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: Алексей Тараканов, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.