Growing at the Speed of Life - A Year in the Life of My First Kitchen Garden

New Zealand Spinach

Height: 12 – 2 4"

Width: 12 – 3 6"

Depth: 10 – 2 4"

Annual/Hot Season
Wat e r : Evenly moist; water regularly for rapid, full
growth; do not let the soil dry out
Sun : Full; partial shade in afternoon in very hot climates
Companion Planting :
pro: Strawberries
con: Avoid planting in shade of tall plants, such as corn
or pole beans
Pests : None
Diseases : None
Soil: Prefers moisture-retentive, well-drained soil
rich in organic matter; prepare planting beds with aged
compost
Fertilizer: Side-dress plants with compost at midseason

pH: 6.8–7.0

Varieties : Maori (the most commonly grown)

Zones : 6 and warmer

Planting : Seed ½ inch deep, and 1 inch apart, at

warm time of year. Indoors: 2–3 weeks before last frost

in spring for later transplanting ; thin to 3–4 inches. Sow

in the garden around the date of average last frost in

spring.

Germinates : 14–21 days

Harvest: From seed, 55–65 days

Rotation: Do not follow legumes

Edible: Leaves

NEW ZEALAND SPINACH • 193