Growing Guide: Spinach — Bay Area (USDA Zones 9–10)

Growing Guide: Spinach — Bay Area (USDA Zones 9–10)

Overview

Spinach is a cool‑season staple for Bay Area beds and containers. Aim for steady growth in cool weather to avoid bolting; pick baby leaves early and often.

When to plant (USDA 9–10)

• Direct sow or transplant in early spring (roughly Mar–May) and again in early fall (roughly Sep–Nov). Borderline windows at the edges can work with protection.

Site & soil

• Full sun near the coast; light afternoon shade inland.

• Loose, fertile soil with steady moisture; add compost for water‑holding.

• Target pH ~6.5–7.0.

Sowing & spacing

• Sow ½ in deep; thin to 4–6 in between plants (8–10 in for large savoy types).

• Keep seedbed evenly moist until emergence.

Water & feeding

• Keep soil consistently moist; shallow roots dry fast.

• Side‑dress with compost or a light nitrogen feed if growth slows.

Harvest

• Baby leaves: 25–35 days. Full leaves: 35–50+ days.

• Harvest outer leaves first; keep the crown growing for multiple cuts.

Pest & disease watch

• Downy mildew: favored by cool, wet leaves. Choose resistant seed and water early in the day; increase airflow.

• Leafminers: remove mined leaves; use row cover to exclude flies; avoid planting next to infested greens.

“GrowBot did some digging: if your spring turns hot quickly, use faster baby‑leaf varieties and harvest small to dodge bolt season.”

Want zone‑by‑zone timing (Sunset + USDA), a weekly checklist, and Bay‑Area‑specific pest windows? See today’s Spinach Masterclass.