Spinnach and Compost

Hi,

Any recommendation as to the better varieties for Spinnach to grow here in the lower Pennine hills ?

Like most things, seems Spinnach likes plenty of compost in the prepared soil , as do most other gardening commentators who always say, add a layer of compost here there any everywhere, from 2 to 6 " deep.

We no longer have our compost heaps, but what alteratives can we use to enrich the soil ?
We do use some of the Westland Farmyard manure, but its quiet expensive if used other than a top dressing for a few plants.
Clearly cheap bags of peat are not desirable, and seem like there are too many problems associated with horse manure from farms or stables, most of which still needs composting !

So what can we use without costing a fortune ?

 

Do you mean real Spinach, or Leaf Beet?

Gave up with the former 30 years ago, finding the latter so much easier to grow.

 

I dont know if they are available in the UK, but here, the two main varieties of spinach are
"Vroeg Reuzenblad" and "Butterflay."

On the condition that they are grown in fertile ground, we would use Nettle Water. As long as you have a supply of nettles, either fresh or dried, its easy enough to make yourself. I can provide a recipe if you want.

 

Hi,

Not really sure of the difference, assume the type you buy in the supermarkets is the real Spinnach ?
Again assume there is little between the two in the taste test if you only grow the Beet ?

Looking around there only seems to be one type of Leaf Beet, or have you found one particular suppliers gives a better beet plant ?

Hi,

Not seen either of those varieties over here, and the Nettle water is a new one on us, though assume its very similar to the Comfrey feed many folk make here ?

We only have a small garden these days so have to admit we tend to buy our fertilizers in bottles or pellets these days.

 

Leaf beet/Swiss Chard/Perpetual Spinach/Seakale Beet/etc., are easier to grow than traditional Spinach, grows much larger and are more resistant to bolting.

 

Nettle Water is similar to Comfrey water, and preared in the same way. When someone has enough, they will pick and dry nettles to make a new batch for the following gardening season.

I had a feeling when I posted that those two varieties may not be found in the UK.