Never.

Grew some spinach last year. It was a salad variety. It took awhile to germinate. I helped to sprinkle a fine layer of peat or seed starting mix and tamp it down over the seeds to keep them moist. Picked it as baby greens but had problems with something eating it. Going to plant a lot more this year.

I'll try the seed starting mix this time. I was lucky and got some on clearance at Dollar General. Thanks! I could eat it every day.

zackey,

I grow spinach every year with good success. Around the first of October, I fold half a pack of seeds in a paper towel, wet it and leave in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 12 to 14 days. By that time the seeds have sprouted and I plant the sprouts in small containers. It is tedious, but we love spinach. If you use a zip lock bag and zip it, the seeds won't sprout. Leave it unzipped so the seeds can breath.

Red Malabar is used as a substitute by some people. I am growing it, but have never tasted it.

I am growing some Malabar spinach now. It doesn't taste the same. Mine isn't doing much. Mostly trying to seed.

I dont have luck with growing it from seed but do ok if I buy a 6 or 9 pack of seedlings from the store. Here I put it out in late October or early November. I grow okinawa spinach year round. It tastes different than regular spinach you buy at publix but I like it on my sandwiches or added to romain in a salad.

I had some that germinated well this past spring. 18 plants. Every one was eaten by deer and/or squirrels.

So no. I haven't had luck growing spinach. ;)