A fast-growing relative of Swiss chard and beets, spinach is a cool-weather loving green.If you want to produce a biannual harvest, you can either plant in the spring or fall.If you want to learn how to plant your own crop, follow the steps below.
Step 1: There are USDA Hardiness Zones three through nine.
In the mild to cold climate zones, spinach is very cold-hardy.The cold-weather crop likes temperatures between 35 and 75F.
Step 2: If you want to plant in the fall, choose savoyed varieties.
Savoyed varieties have dark green leaves.It's best to plant them in the fall because they become crisp in cold weather.
Step 3: For a faster growing time, choose smooth-leafed spinach.
The leaves of smooth-leafed spinach are lighter in color than those of savoy spinach.It is a great addition to a summer salad.
Step 4: The area should have full sun.
Though it won't do well in hot weather, it does like full sun.Though the yield may not be as impressive, the plants will produce in partial shade.
Step 5: Make sure that the soil is draining well.
The soil that floods regularly or does not drain well will not do well in a habitat that is moderately moist.You can make a raised vegetable garden bed if you can't find a plot in your garden.If you want to build a raised vegetable bed, use cedar wood.Cedar is resistant to rot when exposed to water.If you are only growing spinach, you won't need a large growing space because the plant is small.
Step 6: The pH should be tested.
There is a slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0.Limestone can be added to the soil to adjust the pH.If you want to add limestone to your soil, you need to know what the soil's calcium and magnesium levels are.Dolomitic limestone should be added if the soil is low in magnesium.Add calcitic limestone if it is high in magnesium.Adding limestone two to three months before planting will allow the soil to absorb it.Check the pH again after the limestone is incorporated.
Step 7: The soil needs to be fertilized.
The soil with the most organic matter is the one that is rich in blood meal.To make sure the soil is rich, mix a small amount of organic material into it.Make sure to remove any rocks or clumps of soil before adding the organicfertilizer.A bow rake can be used to remove unwanted objects.Voluntary plants are growing in the planting area.These may compete with your plants and cause problems.
Step 8: Decide when to plant your greens.
Spring harvest is when you can plant your spinach four to six weeks before the last spring frost.This early crop can grow leggy and bloom, so harvest before you reach 14 hours of sunlight a day for the best results.Some cultivars are more likely to bolt than others.For a more reliable fall crop, plant six to eight weeks before the first frost.After a small late autumn harvest, plant spinach in the winter for an early harvest next year.More instructions can be found below.
Step 9: The seeds are deep and two inches apart.
If planting in rows, make sure the rows are at least eight inches apart.The seeds can mature without having to compete for space.Fresh seeds don't stay viable for long, so make sure to buy them each year.If you are going to transplant plants, make sure they are at least 12 to 18 inches apart.The seedlings can grow without competing with each other for space.If you want to start your plants indoors, you can either purchase them at your local nursery or garden supply store.If you can grow it from seed, it's a good idea as transplants are difficult and the roots can be damaged in the process.
Step 10: Place the seeds in the soil and pat lightly.
The soil should be light and fluffy and not need to be packed over the seeds.The seeds are covered by soil and should not be exposed to the air.
Step 11: mulch is spread over the planting area
To prevent weeds from growing, cover the planting area with a few inches of hay, straw, leaf, or grass mulch.If you want to control weeds, mulch is a good alternative.
Step 12: The planting area needs to be water thoroughly.
It's important to use a watering can or light shower setting on your hose.Freshly planted seeds can be washed away by a strong setting.
Step 13: Adapt to the weather.
Cold frames or heavy row covers can be used to keep the soil cool during hot summer days.If growing in hot weather, sow extra seeds and water twice daily.
Step 14: You should thin your plants.
Thin the plants lightly as they grow to prevent them from competing for space.You want the plants to be close to each other so that the leaves don't touch.The tender young leaves of the plants that are removed are saved for eating.
Step 15: The planting area should be moist.
You want the soil to be moist but not too wet.On average, you should water your crop once or twice per week.
Step 16: If the temperature goes up to 80F (26C), cover the soil with a shade cloth.
In hot weather, spinach doesn't do well.If the temperature starts to rise, you can cover the soil with a shade cloth to keep the plants cool.
Step 17: When necessary, fertilize your plants.
If your plants are growing slowly, you may want to add more nitrogen-based fertilization.spinach likes soil rich in organic matter such as well-rotted manure, alfalfa meal, soybean meal and cottonseed meal.Water thoroughly and add thefertilizer according to label recommendations.
Step 18: It's time to harvest your greens.
As soon as the leaves are big enough to eat, you can harvest them.It takes about six to eight weeks from planting to harvest.Before the leaves begin to bolt, make sure to harvest them.The leaves become bitter after the plants bolt.Remove the outer leaves to harvest the leaves.You can either pinch at the base of the petiole with your fingers or shears.Pull the entire plant out of the ground to harvest.It is easy to pull a plant out of the ground because it does not have very firm roots.The outer leaves are removed in order to allow the inner leaves to grow larger and produce more mature spinach.
Step 19: Over winter your greens.
Farmers tend to keep zinnia over the winter for an early crop next year.In the winter, protect your plants with a row cover over a simple frame to keep them cool.During the darker months, the plants are semi-dormant, requiring frequent watering and no fertilization.In the late winter, when daylight hours are longer, provide water-soluble fertilization and care for the growing greens as you would at other times of the year.Some varieties are more tolerant of cold than others.Contact the seed supplier if you need more information.