Strawberry Spinach Growing Guide

Imagine plucking juicy strawberries and vibrant spinach leaves from the same garden bed. Sounds like a gardener's dream, right? Well, it doesn't have to be a dream! Growing strawberries and spinach together, often called "strawberry spinach," is a surprisingly easy and rewarding experience. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to cultivate this delightful combination in your own backyard.

Understanding Strawberry Spinach

Let's clear up some confusion first. When people talk about "strawberry spinach," they are generally referring to two different scenarios:

1. Growing strawberries and spinach as companion plants: This is the most common and practical approach. Strawberries and spinach thrive in similar conditions and can even benefit each other.
1. Strawberry Spinach (Chenopodium capitatum): This is a lesser-known plant that produces edible leaves that taste similar to spinach and small, red, berry-like fruits. While it's not technically related to either strawberries or spinach, its appearance and uses make it a unique addition to any garden. We'll mainly focus on the companion planting aspect, but will touch on true strawberry spinach later.

The beauty of combining these two plants lies in their complementary needs. Strawberries provide ground cover, which helps suppress weeds and retain moisture for the spinach. Spinach, in turn, can help keep the soil cool and shaded, benefiting the strawberries during the hottest months. This symbiotic relationship makes for a healthier and more productive garden.

Choosing the Right Strawberry and Spinach Varieties

Selecting Strawberry Varieties for Companion Planting

When choosing strawberry varieties for your strawberry spinach growing project, consider the following:

1. Everbearing vs. June-bearing: Everbearing strawberries produce fruit throughout the growing season, while June-bearing varieties produce one large crop in early summer. For a continuous harvest, everbearing varieties are a good choice. However, June-bearing varieties may offer a more concentrated flavor.
1. Disease resistance: Opt for varieties that are resistant to common strawberry diseases like verticillium wilt and red stele.
1. Climate suitability: Select varieties that are well-suited to your local climate. Your local garden center or extension office can provide recommendations.

Some popular and reliable strawberry varieties include:

1. Everbearing: Albion, Seascape, Ozark Beauty
1. June-bearing: Chandler, Honeoye, Earliglow

Selecting Spinach Varieties for Strawberry Growing

Similar considerations apply when choosing spinach varieties for your strawberry spinach patch:

1. Bolting resistance: Bolting is when spinach prematurely goes to seed, especially in warm weather. Choose bolt-resistant varieties for a longer harvest period.
1. Leaf type: Spinach varieties come with different leaf types, such as smooth, savoy (crinkled), and semi-savoy. The choice is largely a matter of personal preference.
1. Growth habit: Some spinach varieties are more compact than others, which can be important for spacing in your garden bed.

Here are a few recommended spinach varieties to consider:

1. Bolt-resistant: Malabar, Bloomsdale Long Standing, Space
1. Smooth-leafed: Melody, Olympia
1. Savoy-leafed: Savoy Supreme, Winter Bloomsdale

Preparing Your Garden Bed for Strawberry and Spinach

Location, Location, Location: Finding the Perfect Spot

Both strawberries and spinach need at least6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Choose a location in your garden that receives plenty of sunshine. Additionally, ensure the soil is well-draining. Strawberries don't like soggy roots! Avoid areas where water tends to pool after rainfall.

Soil Preparation: Creating the Ideal Growing Medium

The ideal soil for strawberry spinach is slightly acidic, with a p H between 6.0 and

6.5. Before planting, amend the soil with plenty of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. This will improve drainage, fertility, and water retention. A soil test can help determine if your soil needs any additional amendments, such as lime to raise the p H or sulfur to lower it.

Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing your garden bed:

1. Clear the area: Remove any weeds, rocks, or debris from the planting area.
1. Loosen the soil: Use a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches.
1. Amend the soil: Spread a 2-3 inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure over the soil surface.
1. Incorporate the amendments: Use a garden fork or tiller to mix the compost or manure into the soil.
1. Level the soil: Rake the soil to create a smooth and level planting surface.

Planting Your Strawberry and Spinach

Timing is Everything: When to Plant

The best time to plant strawberries and spinach depends on your local climate. In general, spinach can be planted in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. Strawberries are typically planted in early spring or fall.

Here's a more detailed timeline:

1. Spinach: Sow seeds directly into the garden 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost in spring, or 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost in fall.
1. Strawberries: Plant strawberry transplants in early spring, after the threat of frost has passed, or in the fall, about 6 weeks before the first expected frost.

Planting Techniques: Ensuring Success

When planting strawberries, space the plants about 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 2-3 feet apart. Make sure the crown of the plant (where the roots meet the stem) is level with the soil surface. Planting too deep can cause the crown to rot, while planting too shallow can dry out the roots.

For spinach, sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows that are 12 inches apart. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them to about 3-6 inches apart.

You can alternate rows of strawberries and spinach, or plant spinach in between strawberry plants. The key is to provide enough space for both plants to grow and thrive.

Caring for Your Strawberry Spinach Patch

Watering: Keeping Your Plants Hydrated

Strawberries and spinach both need consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. Water deeply and regularly, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. A soaker hose or drip irrigation system is ideal for delivering water directly to the roots, minimizing water loss and reducing the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing: Providing Essential Nutrients

Strawberries and spinach are both heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) or a fertilizer specifically formulated for berries and leafy greens. Apply fertilizer according to the package directions, being careful not to over-fertilize, which can burn the plants.

Organic options include:

1. Compost tea: A nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer made by steeping compost in water.
1. Fish emulsion: A concentrated liquid fertilizer made from fish waste.
1. Blood meal: A high-nitrogen fertilizer made from dried animal blood.

Weed Control: Maintaining a Clean Garden

Weeds compete with strawberries and spinach for water, nutrients, and sunlight. Regular weeding is essential for maintaining a healthy garden. Mulching with straw, wood chips, or plastic can help suppress weeds and retain moisture.

Here are some tips for effective weed control:

1. Hand-pull weeds: The most effective method, especially for small weeds.
1. Use a hoe: To cultivate the soil and remove weeds between rows.
1. Apply pre-emergent herbicides: To prevent weed seeds from germinating (use caution and follow label directions).

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Pest and Disease Management: Protecting Your Harvest

Strawberries and spinach are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. Regular monitoring and prompt action are essential for preventing serious problems. Here are some common pests and diseases to watch out for:

1. Strawberries:

   • Slugs and snails: These pests can damage leaves and fruit. Use beer traps or diatomaceous earth to control them.
1. Aphids: These small insects suck sap from plants. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
1. Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause leaves to turn yellow and stippled. Use miticidal soap or neem oil to control them.
1. Gray mold (Botrytis): This fungal disease can cause fruit to rot. Remove infected fruit and improve air circulation to prevent its spread.

1. Spinach:

   • Aphids: Similar to strawberries, aphids can infest spinach. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
1. Leaf miners: These insects tunnel inside leaves, leaving unsightly trails. Remove infested leaves and use row covers to prevent infestation.
1. Downy mildew: This fungal disease causes yellow spots on leaves. Improve air circulation and use copper-based fungicides to control it.

For both plants, good cultural practices, such as proper watering, fertilization, and sanitation, can help prevent many pest and disease problems.

Harvesting Your Strawberry and Spinach

Knowing When to Pick: Harvesting at the Peak of Flavor

Strawberries are ready to harvest when they are fully red, firm, and easily detach from the plant. Pick them in the morning, after the dew has dried, for the best flavor. Spinach can be harvested at any stage, from baby leaves to mature leaves. Simply snip off the outer leaves as needed, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing.

Proper Harvesting Techniques: Minimizing Damage

When harvesting strawberries, gently grasp the fruit near the stem and twist it off the plant. Avoid squeezing the fruit, which can bruise it. For spinach, use scissors or a sharp knife to cut the leaves off at the base of the plant. Be careful not to damage the crown of the plant, which will allow it to continue producing new leaves.

Storing Your Harvest: Keeping Your Produce Fresh

Strawberries are best eaten fresh, but they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To store them, gently rinse them and pat them dry. Place them in a single layer in a container lined with paper towels. Spinach can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To store it, rinse it and pat it dry. Place it in a plastic bag or container lined with paper towels.

Exploring True Strawberry Spinach (Chenopodium capitatum)

While we've focused on companion planting, let's briefly touch on Chenopodium capitatum, also known as strawberry spinach, blite spinach, or strawberry goosefoot. This annual plant offers edible leaves similar to spinach and eye-catching red, berry-like clusters. While the "berries" are edible, they're quite bland, mainly used for decorative purposes in salads. The leaves can be used like spinach – steamed, sautéed, or added to salads.

Growing true strawberry spinach is fairly straightforward. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Sow seeds directly in the garden in spring after the last frost. Keep the soil consistently moist and thin seedlings to about 12 inches apart. Harvest leaves as needed and enjoy the unique addition to your garden!

Troubleshooting Common Issues in Strawberry Spinach Growing

Yellowing Leaves

Yellowing leaves can indicate several problems, including nutrient deficiencies (especially nitrogen or iron), overwatering, or pest infestations (like spider mites). Check soil drainage, test p H, and examine leaves closely for pests.

Poor Fruit Production

Poor strawberry fruit production might be due to insufficient sunlight, inadequate pollination, or nutrient deficiencies. Ensure your plants get enough sun, attract pollinators with companion flowers, and fertilize regularly.

Spinach Bolting

Spinach bolting (going to seed prematurely) is often caused by hot weather. Plant bolt-resistant varieties and provide afternoon shade to keep the soil cooler.

Enjoying the Fruits (and Leaves!) of Your Labor

Growing strawberries and spinach together is a rewarding experience that offers fresh, delicious produce for your table. With a little planning and care, you can create a thriving garden that provides you with a continuous harvest of these delightful crops. So, grab your gardening gloves, get your hands dirty, and enjoy the bounty of your strawberry spinach patch!