Spinach 'Molokhia' (Spinach)

As soon as the soil is tillable in the spring, sow your seeds 1/2 inch (1.2 cm), 1 inch (2 cm) apart in rows 12 - 18 inches (30 - 45 cm) apart. Thin to 2 - 6 inch (5 - 15 cm) spacings. Closer spacings stresses plants and causes them to go to seed sooner; bolting results in bitter flavor. Heat, dry soil and lengthening days also encourage bolting, so early planting is critical. Planting later in the season can give the crops some light shade. Early plantings followed by warm-season crops like beans and tomatoes are ideal. Be sure not to over fertilize with nitrogen, and only apply if leaves are pale green. To ensure your pH is past 6.0, add lime. If leaf tips and margins are brown/yellow, the soil is too acidic. Spinach is ideal planted in Fall and mulched heavily for an early spring crop.