I live in coastal South Carolina and often have had difficulty germinating spinach seed and then growing it, mostly because of the heat. I always use the Bloomsdale Longstanding variety simply because I like the flavor and texture. I have developed the following method for easy and effective germination because I have a heavy clay soil. Till the soil well and form a bed of the size you want. While tilling mix in fertilizer, presumably according to your latest soil test. Press the soil of the bed down lightly with as large a piece of plywood as you can handle efficiently, not to compress the soil but to flatten it and make it easier to work with. Then use a straight edge such as a piece of lumber (Such as a 1 X 4) to press a furrow into the soil no more than 1/2 inch deep. Make furrows approximately 10-12 inches apart. Sow your seed into the furrows, and sow thickly because you can always thin and seed is cheap. Now the important part: cover the seed lightly but completely with either builder's sand or play sand (sold in 50# bags in Lowes or Home Depot; I prefer the finer play sand). Water well but don't wash away the sand and keep moist by watering daily if the soil is not moist. You will get good germination, the time will depend to a large extent upon the temperature. This method works well on any seed that is considered hard to germinate (Spring onion comes to mind). The sand is the key because it will keep the soil moist where the the seed is but does not form a hard crust.

Was this a 'topsoil' you bought to fill the bed, or 'compost', or a mix? Does it have any nutrients added, like compost or manure? Call the place and ask for some specific information. If there's not much in the way of nutrients (if they can even tell you), you'll have to add some. A mix of alfalfa meal (nitrogen), wood fireplace ash (potash), and bone meal (phosphorus) should get you started. A little kelp meal wouldn't hurt, but don't overdo it. Figure out how much you would likely need for the whole bed, mix it all together in a bucket, and gently work it into the soil around the plants. It doesn't have to go right up to their stems, the roots will reach out for it. But you can't just lay it on top, unfortunately. The carrots wouldn't mind a little extra dusting of ash right around them, they like it, and it will help keep prevent carrot rust flies and wireworms. And like the others above have pointed out, give them a dose of patience, too. Sometimes the tops stop growing, but the roots are going like crazy. Sue

Australian wines are more reasonably priced compared to Californian wine here in Manila. Australia has some of the best wines, I think. I think the best red they have is shiraz (syrah elsewhere). They have wonderful merlots and cabernets also. But then I am partial to whites; I guess that exposes me as a neophyte. I think whites are easier on the palate. When I was living in the USA I introduced myself to riesling and gewurztraminer (the latter mostly from Fetzer). My personal favorites then were whites from Columbia Crest and Cheateu St. Michelle. When I see them in the shelves here in Manila, they are priced beyond my reach most of the time, and Australian, French, Italian, Chilean, and German wines have proven to be wonderful alternatives. Gewurztraminer though doesnt come cheaply here (In the US it is moderately priced). I once served this at dinner and my workmates raved about it. I guess the 9.0 to 9.5 % alcohol content was easier on them, plus it usually is very fruity (hints of lychee) and sweet. Riesling from Germany and Australia are also good. Last week I took a chance on a Blue Nun (Germany) 2001 Qualitätswein. I was pleasantly surprised about that...I knew people avoided Blue Nun as it was synonymous with cheap wines around the late 60s and the 70s. I learned that the company has been bought by new owners, who want to upgrade the quality. Qualitätswein by the way is around 35% riesling. Alcohol content is like most gewurztraminer, at only 9.5 % So now I have this thingie for German wines, whenever I shop. As for the milk and spinach, I don't buy them at all...Our traditional diets are a bit different, including the vegetables. I am trying my best to limit meat intake because of my hypercholesterolemic state. Thus, it is usually traditional vegetables and fish for me. Dole and Del Monte are transnational conglomerates with fruit plantations here in the Philippines, for pineapples and bananas. One pineapple is usually around USD$1. Bananas are usually around US 60 cents a kilogram (2.2 lbs). You have a choice of Cavendish (which is what Dole and Del Monte export), latundan, lacatan, senorita types of bananas, with the latter three usually sweeter, more fragrant, and flavorful compared to Cavendish.

Just saw your post. I'm thinking the seeds may be defective. I have grown MB spinach for the last three years and never had any issues. I'm in zone 7, mid TN. I always soak over night and plant directly in the garden. They do seem to take their time, I planted some about a week ago and just a few days ago started to see some results.