How to prune/harvest spinach??

Question

What's the best way to harvest spinach and keep it producing all summer long?

Answer 1

Most of the spinach varieties are harvested by cutting the bigger outer leaves off close to the ground and letting the inner leaves grow.  Depending on how many plants you have this will give you a small, steady supply.  You can however, if you need a lot for canning or freezing, cut the entire plant off an inch or so above ground and it will still regrow.  Really hot weather will slow most spinach or cause it to bolt so don't be disappointed if that happens to yours.

Answer 2

I have the Melody Hybrid which is slow to bolt in the summer and a prolific grower.  All you do with this variety is cut off the leaves off the main stalk, as you need them.  Cut the tip off so that flowers don't sprout and you will have a tall stalk growing more leaves and a new main flower bud.   However, if you cut off the main tip after the flower has formed, the leaves will be bitter.