[nilsatis1964]

My spinach has bolted some of the seedlings are only 4 leaves but they have bolted.  I have been watering the plot on rotation and the bed they were in is damp just below the surface.  We use a lot of spinach so how do I stop the next sowing bolting?

[kermit]

Same here.  And same happened last year.  Im growing tarpy variety.  Like you, was watering frequently.  Im wondering if it was either the very cold spell followed by the very hot spell, or just the very hot spell, that did it for them.  I've not even picked any leaves yet!  At least last year I got one meal 

Its perpetual spinach and rocket from now on.  I wonder how the farmers manage to avoid the bolting, must be a secret...

[Aidy]

I grow Chard as a alternative, just as tasty and far slower to go to seed.

[Trillium]

Any sign of warm weather and spinach bolts regardless of how much water you give them. I believe commercial growers raise them under shade cloth but only for so long as heat buildup will send out flowers. As Aidy says, swiss chard is a good alternative, a bit tougher but holds up better when cooked

[1jim]

mine has bolted as well, same with rocket, gonna try another sowing though this weekend

[oldcow]

Most of mine have bolted too, I think due to the last few very hot days. Luckily they were pretty much ready, so I harvested them all.

[aelf]

mine are only just showing! and I planted them in March!! Putting another 2 rows in this weekend 

[Trillium]

That is really late considering they're a cold weather crop.