A fast-growing relative of beets and Swiss chard, 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 these mild to cold climate zones, spinach is very cold-hardy.The cold-weather crop likes temperatures between 35 and 75F.
Step 2: In the fall, plant savoyed and semi-savoying varieties.
Savoyed varieties have dark green leaves.They are the best for planting in the fall.
Step 3: If you want a faster growing time, choose smooth-leafed spinach.
The leaves of smooth-leafed spinach are lighter in color than those produced by savoy spinach.It is a great addition to any 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 are productive and will produce in partial shade.
Step 5: Make sure that the soil is draining well.
The soil that floods frequently and 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 an adequate 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 needs to 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 the soil's calcium and magnesium levels.Dolomitic limestone can 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.The pH needs to be checked again after the limestone is incorporated.
Step 7: The soil should be fertilized.
You can find soil rich in organic matter such as manure, alfalfa meal, soybean meal and cottonseed meal.To make sure the soil is rich, mix a small amount of organic material into it.Remove any rocks or clumps of soil before adding the organicfertilizer.You can use a bow rake to remove objects.There are voluntary plants growing in the planting area.They may compete with your plants and cause problems.
Step 8: It's a good idea to decide when to plant your greens.
Spring harvest is when you can plant your spinach four to six weeks before the last spring frost.If you want to get the best results, harvest before you reach 14 hours of sunlight a day.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.Space the plants about 12 to 18 inches apart.The seedlings can grow without competing with each other for space.If you want to start them 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 soil and pat lightly.
The soil doesn't need to be packed over the seeds, it should be light and fluffy.The seeds should not be exposed to the air and should be covered by the soil.
Step 11: mulch over the planting area
To prevent weeds from growing in the planting area, cover the soil 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 watered thoroughly.
It's important to use a watering can or 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 if you live in a hot climate.If growing in hot weather, sow extra seeds and water twice daily.
Step 14: Take care of your plants.
Thin the plants lightly 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 for eating are saved by removing plants several times during growth.
Step 15: The planting area should be moist.
You want the soil to be moist but not too wet.Depending on the climate, you should water your crop once or twice a week.
Step 16: If the temperature goes above 80F (26C), cover the soil with a shade cloth.
It doesn't do well in hot weather.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 the 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 spinach.You can either pinch at the base of the petiole with your fingers or use gardening 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.If the entire plant is removed, the inner leaves will grow larger and produce more mature spinach than if they are left alone.
Step 19: Over winter your greens.
Farmers tend to keep zinnia over the winter for an early crop next year.During the winter months, protect your plants with a row cover over a simple frame to keep them cool on sunny days.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 spinach as you would at other times of the year.Some varieties are more cold tolerant than others.Contact the seed supplier if you need more information.