Honest review: Spinach is rewarding but aphid colonies on brassicas and soft growth is real

Spinach is a genuinely satisfying plant to grow, but I want to be upfront about one thing: aphid colonies on brassicas and soft growth. I've dealt with it twice now and it takes consistent attention to manage.

Beyond that, full control over growing methods and chemical use makes it one of my favourites in the collection. I keep it in a decorative potager with flowers and vegetables mixed which suits it well. Learning about rotating crops each year to prevent soil-borne disease build-up has been essential. sowing under cover from late winter for early crops is worth waiting for — the plant really justifies itself then. Four stars because of that persistent issue.