Can You Grow Spinach & Broccoli in North Carolina?

When to Plant

• North Carolina ranges from USDA zones 6 to 8, and gardens need to be planted at the right time. According to North Carolina State University, the time to plant a spring garden in the upper coastal plain and Piedmont regions is March 15 to 31 for broccoli and Feb. 15 to March 15 for spinach. Fall garden planting should be done Aug. 1 to 15 for both vegetables. Western North Carolina should plant 10 to 20 days later in the spring and 10 to 20 days earlier in the fall. Eastern North Carolina should plant seven to 14 days earlier for the spring garden and seven to 14 days later for a fall crop.

Planting Conditions

• A member of the cabbage family, broccoli thrives in full sun and sandy, slightly acidic soil. Broccoli seeds can be sown directly into the garden or grown from seedling transplants. When planting, add a layer of compost or manure, and depending on the desired size of the broccoli head, plants should be 12 to 24 inches apart. A good source of vitamins A, B and C, spinach also enjoys full sun in a loamy area with a neutral pH. Spinach is best direct-sowed, because seedlings do not always transplant well. Planting spinach every week or so will provide an ongoing crop during the growing season.

Care

• Broccoli and spinach require consistent moisture while growing; mulching the beds will help retain moisture and keep weeds to a minimum. The roots of both plants are very shallow and cultivation should be done with care, if at all, to avoid root damage. When watering broccoli, keep the crown dry. Fertilize broccoli three weeks after planting and spinach only if its growth is slow.

Harvesting

• To harvest broccoli, cut the heads at a slant about 6 inches along the stem. Cut broccoli while the head is firm and green. If yellow leaves begin to appear, harvest the plant right away. Broccoli can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days, or blanched and frozen for up to a year. When spinach reaches 6 inches, harvest by cutting the leaves at the soil level. New leaves will continue to sprout, providing an additional harvest or two. If left too long before cutting, the spinach will be bitter. Alternatively, cut the entire plant at its base.