Your comments and tips

11 Apr 11, Donna (Australia - temperate climate)

I planted spinach a couple of weeks ago and they have sprouted successfully, however, because I planted a few seeds in each hole - they have sprouted together. Rather than pull any out and lose them, is it possible to wait until they get to a certain size and then transplant them to a different area of my garden (as if they were a seedling). And if so, at what stage can I do that (ie. when they are how many centimetres tall)?

Reply or Post a new comment

07 Jun 11, (Australia - cool/mountain climate)

I've found spinach don't transplant very well - they tend to shoot to seed - so I just pull out the extras and leave them on the ground as mulch.

Reply or Post a new comment

03 Apr 11, Liz Strauss (Australia - temperate climate)

I am starting a no dig veg garden in my not very sunny garden and am starting with spinach and potatoes. Wonder if kale in a good companion for either of these . I live on the shores of Lake Macquarie between Sydney and Newcastle.

Reply or Post a new comment

14 Dec 10, Alana Smith (Australia - tropical climate)

I purchased what is meant to be English Spinache at the local markets, but the plants have a purple/black berry on them is this normal?

Reply or Post a new comment

18 Jun 12, Michelle Cruse (Australia - temperate climate)

That sounds like a climbing spinach I have. It has thick rubbery leaves, climbs like a trellis and puts out those small black/purple berries. I have used the leaves in cooking and the chooks & ducks seem to love them as well.

Reply or Post a new comment

05 Dec 10, Colin (Australia - temperate climate)

I've been told recently that the spinach we get in Australia, is not true spinach. The claim is that it is the tops of a (?) root vegetable and that the real (English) Spinach is much darker in the leaves and is not a root vegetable. Can you please enlighten me?

Reply or Post a new comment

17 Feb 11, Daniel (Australia - temperate climate)

Sam is right. Real spinach is called "Spinacea Oleracea" while the commonly known Spinach in Australia is actually Silverbeet or "BETA VULGARIS" and is from the Beet family. Also real spinach is harvested much smaller than silverbeet so the spacing only needs to be 8cm and not 15-20cm as advised on this page which is the spacing for silverbeet. (Opinions seem to vary on this - some gardeners recommend 10 - 20cm)

Reply or Post a new comment

10 Dec 10, Sam (Australia - arid climate)

This could be checked by looking at the scientific name: Spinacia oleracea is Spinach. What is the scientific name of the root vegetable? Plenty of Aussies call Silverbeet "Spinach", is that the issue?

Reply or Post a new comment

15 Oct 10, Charmaine (Australia - arid climate)

Hi I was wondering if you need to stake up spinach. Mines laying flat on the ground. Thank you

Reply or Post a new comment

29 Oct 10, Paul (Australia - temperate climate)

Charmaine, You do not need to stake up spinach. If it is laying flat it possibly means one of the following: if leaves are large - its time to pick your spinach before it bolts its not getting enough water its in poor quality soil is it a winter spinach rather than a summer spinach (check the back of the pack). Planting it at the wrong time may inhibit proper germination/growth. I also notice that you are located in an arid area - I use to live in Alice Springs and know how hard it is to grow some stuff in red dirt and hot conditions - hence the nature of suggestions above. Hope this helps. Paul

Reply or Post a new comment