How to grow spinach including sowing the seeds
Spinach, the dark green leafy vegetable made familiar by the cartoon character Popeye, yet which is not to everyone's taste or liking, was brought to Europe from Persia by the Arabs in the 13th century.
It is particularly rich in vitamins A and C, as well as calcium, iodine, iron, phosphorous and potassium. Spinach contains lime, which strengthens the body's bones and muscles, and it is said to help combat anaemia, fatigue and depression.
It is particularly rich in vitamins A and C, as well as calcium, iodine, iron, phosphorous and potassium. Spinach contains lime, which strengthens the body's bones and muscles, and it is said to help combat anaemia, fatigue and depression.
Spinach can be eaten raw or cooked, and is popular in warm or cold salads, starters and in soups. Nowadays, small-leafed or baby spinach is very popular.
Soil conditions for growing spinach
To grow well, spinach requires a rich and fertile soil that retains moisture and that has a pH of between 6.3 and 6.8.
If the soil is too acidic, the spinach leaves may turn yellow and growth will be slow. To combat this, lime must be added to the soil to neutralise it.
If the soil is too acidic, the spinach leaves may turn yellow and growth will be slow. To combat this, lime must be added to the soil to neutralise it.
Climate conditions for growing spinach
Spinach likes a cool climate with temperatures that are not too hot. Germination takes place during the cooler weather, which is why the spinach seeds are sown in early spring or early autumn.
If temperatures are high, the spinach seeds should be cultivated in partial shade; however, in cooler climates, spinach seeds may be sown in an area of full sun. Ideal temperatures for growing spinach range between 7°C - 24°C (45°F - 72°F).
Spinach is one of the few crops that can withstand temperatures that are below freezing.
If temperatures are high, the spinach seeds should be cultivated in partial shade; however, in cooler climates, spinach seeds may be sown in an area of full sun. Ideal temperatures for growing spinach range between 7°C - 24°C (45°F - 72°F).
Spinach is one of the few crops that can withstand temperatures that are below freezing.
Soil preparation
The soil must be prepared several months before planting is due to take place by digging to at least 1ft and by adding plenty of organic matter such as well-rotted compost or manure. Additionally, ensure that all large stones and weeds are removed from the plot.
Sowing the spinach seeds
Spinach seeds are sown in early spring, as soon as the ground is soft enough to be worked, or in the early autumn, approximately 2 months before the first frosts set in.
Sowing should be staggered and take place at 2-week intervals so that the spinach plant can be harvested continuously throughout the year.
Sow the seeds 2.5cm (1inch) apart and at a depth of 1cm (1/2inch).
Once the seedlings reach a height of 5cm (2inch) tall, they should be thinned to 7cm (3inch) apart. If planting in rows, the rows should have a space of about 30cm (1ft) between them.
Sowing should be staggered and take place at 2-week intervals so that the spinach plant can be harvested continuously throughout the year.
Sow the seeds 2.5cm (1inch) apart and at a depth of 1cm (1/2inch).
Once the seedlings reach a height of 5cm (2inch) tall, they should be thinned to 7cm (3inch) apart. If planting in rows, the rows should have a space of about 30cm (1ft) between them.
Caring for the spinach plants
Ensure that the spinach plants receive plenty of water, especially in hot weather but take care not to over-water them. Laying a mulch around the plants will help to retain moisture within the soil and it will also keep weeds at bay. Any weeds that do appear should be removed.
Spinach plants need a lot of nutrients and in particular a lot of nitrogen, and therefore a fertiliser containing this element should be fed to the plants on a regular basis. This can be done by adding the fertiliser to the water in your watering can.
As spinach is ready to harvest within a short period of time, it is generally left alone by most pests and it is also relatively free from disease. However, you may have to protect against birds, which can be done by covering the crop with some netting. Any disease-affected leaves should be removed and burnt so that other crops are not infected.
Spinach plants need a lot of nutrients and in particular a lot of nitrogen, and therefore a fertiliser containing this element should be fed to the plants on a regular basis. This can be done by adding the fertiliser to the water in your watering can.
As spinach is ready to harvest within a short period of time, it is generally left alone by most pests and it is also relatively free from disease. However, you may have to protect against birds, which can be done by covering the crop with some netting. Any disease-affected leaves should be removed and burnt so that other crops are not infected.
Harvesting the spinach
Harvesting generally takes place 40 - 50 days after sowing, although instructions on the seed packet should be adhered to if they are different.
When the leaves are big enough, they may be picked from the plant. Do not remove all of the leaves in one go. Start to pick the outer spinach leaves, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing and producing more spinach. Approximately half of the spinach leaves should be left on the plant. The more leaves that are picked from the plant, the more that will continue to grow.
Spinach should be eaten soon after picking to ensure the best taste and quality. Wash the leaves and store in the refrigerator for several days at the most. Alternatively, spinach freezes extremely well and can be preserved in this way until required.
When the leaves are big enough, they may be picked from the plant. Do not remove all of the leaves in one go. Start to pick the outer spinach leaves, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing and producing more spinach. Approximately half of the spinach leaves should be left on the plant. The more leaves that are picked from the plant, the more that will continue to grow.
Spinach should be eaten soon after picking to ensure the best taste and quality. Wash the leaves and store in the refrigerator for several days at the most. Alternatively, spinach freezes extremely well and can be preserved in this way until required.
