Tools and Materials
Materials
- Mulch
Spinach Seeds
- Insecticidal Soap
- Neem Oil
- Compost or Manure
6 Steps on How to Grow Spinach
Follow these steps for successfully growing spinach.
- The first step in growing spinach is to select the appropriate variety.
- Consider factors such as climate, personal preferences and intended uses when choosing your spinach variety.
- Spinach varieties can be broadly categorized into two types:
Savoy Spinach
It is known for its curly, dark green leaves that are resistant to cold weather. They have a slightly nutty flavor and are ideal for salads and cooked dishes.
Flat Leaf-Spinach
These varieties have smooth, flat leaves and a mild flavor. They are also easier to clean. They are perfect for baby spinach and fresh salads and work well with a variety of dishes.
- Before planting, use the garden fork to loosen and aerate the soil.
- Spinach flourishes in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. To check the pH, use a Soil pH Tester.
- Remove any weeds, rocks and debris from the planting area with the help of a trowel.
- Till the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches to improve drainage and aeration.
- Incorporate well-rotted compost or manure into the soil to enrich it with nutrients.
- Create a level planting surface to ensure even seed distribution.
Wear gloves to protect your hands from dirt, thorns and potential pests.
Now, let's focus on how to grow spinach from seed, as starting from seeds is cheaper and allows for greater variety.
- Sow the spinach seeds directly into the garden in early spring or fall.
- Sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart.
- Maintain a row spacing of about 12 to 18 inches apart.
- Once seedlings emerge, thin them to 2-4 inches apart once they have grown to a few inches tall, providing enough space for mature plants.
Spinach does not transplant well, so direct sowing is preferred.
- Spinach plants require consistent moisture to flourish.
- Use watering cans to water the plants deeply and regularly, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.
- Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and prevent weed growth.
- Spinach is a heavy feeder. Apply a 2–3-inch layer of organic mulch, such as compost tea, every 3-4 weeks to encourage healthy growth.
To ensure optimal growth, fertilize your spinach plants with a balanced organic fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer according to the package directions.
- Spinach can be vulnerable to various pests and diseases.
- Small sap-sucking insects such as aphids, leaf miners and slugs can damage spinach plants.
- Control them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- These tiny beetles can skeletonize spinach leaves. Use row covers or insecticidal soap to protect your plants.
- Spinach is susceptible to fungal diseases such as downy mildew and leaf spot.
- Ensure proper spacing and air circulation around plants to reduce the risk of disease.
- Avoid overhead watering and practice crop rotation to prevent this disease.
Wear gloves when handling insecticidal soap to avoid contact with the eyes or skin.
- Knowing when and how to harvest spinach is the final step in learning how to grow spinach.
- Spinach is typically ready for harvest 37-50 days after planting, depending on the variety.
- Begin harvesting when the leaves are large enough to use, usually when they reach 3-4 inches in length.
- To harvest baby leaves, simply snip off the outer leaves of the plant, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. For mature leaves, cut the entire plant at the base.
- Harvest spinach in the morning when the leaves are cool and crisp.
- Store the harvested spinach in a plastic bag in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
With the right tools, materials, and a bit of gardening know-how, you're well on your way to cultivating a vibrant spinach garden. By following the steps mentioned above, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, nutritious spinach.