How to grow Strawberry Spinach

How to grow Strawberry Spinach - Description

Strawberry spinach belongs to the plant family Chenopodiacae, which is otherwise known as the goosefoot family.
The goosefoot family include spinach, Swiss chard, beets and many others.
Tolerates heat well and is often used as a summertime spinach-replacement.
Grows to 2ft tall.
Whilst usually grown as an annual it can overwinter if weather is not too severe and is perennial in habit.

Strawberry Spinach is a member of the Beetroot Family, and it is recommended that it should not be grown in the same soil as other family members for at least three years.

When preparing your soil to grow strawberry spinach, you will want to pay some attention to your soil pH (a measure of how acidic or alkaline your soil is).
Chenopods like their soil to have a pH of about 6.0 to 6.8, which is only slightly acidic.
They can also tolerate slightly alkaline soils that have a pH of 7.5 or so.
In areas where soils tend to be very acidic they will need to have lime applied to them.
Lime, which is calcium carbonate, is a soil amendment that you can use in an organic garden.
Plant in soil that hasn't been used to grow a member of the goosefoot family in the last three years.
Dig the soil to around 30cm (1 foot) depth as this is how far the plants tap root can develop.
Work some organic compost or manure into the soil to help provide the necessary nutrients for growth.
Because of the benefit of organic matter cover crops and green manure crops are beneficial prior to planting strawberry spinach.
A fertilizer high in nitrogen, the first number on the fertilizer package (N-P-K), will help produce dark, healthy leaves.
Fish emulsion and soya meal are good organic choices.

Wait until the threat of frost has passed.
Sow thinly, the seed is very small, in rows 50cm (18") apart.
Thin plants to 30cm (12") apart when larger
Protect the seeds with a cloche as soon as they are planted to help guard against weather and insect problems.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy until the seeds germinate.

Seeds can also be started early in a cold frame or indoors in average room temperatures.
Or raise in seed trays (flats) and transplant May onwards. Use a good-quality starting medium.
Keep the soil moist but not soggy during germination.

Before transplanting outside, harden seedlings off by gradually exposing them to direct sun and cooler temperatures, which will help them survive light frosts.
Plant at 15 cm apart.
Dig a hole a bit larger than the root ball and work in compost and organic fertilizer.
Plant the seedling, firming the soil gently around the stem.

Keep weed clear, and apply a liquid feed at 3-4 week intervals.
Water regularly; do not over-water.
Self-sows freely; remove all berries if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season

Store unwashed leaves in sealed plastic bags in the refrigerator for up to five days.

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