cardinal points
Spinach , a alimental - plentiful leafy commons , is anexcellent additionto any garden , disregarding of its size . With its succinct growth habit and fast due date , spinach is a perfect choice for small garden . Here ’s a comprehensive guide to aid you successfully plant andgrow spinachin your modified outer space :
1. Choose a Suitable Location
Spinach prefers full Dominicus topartial shade , with well - drained soil richin organic matter . stave off planting in areas that receive less than 6 hour of sunlight per sidereal day .
2. Prepare the Soil
Before planting , amend the soil with compost or well - rotted manuretoimprove fertilityand drainage . Spinach grows skilful in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 .
3. Sow Seeds Direct
Spinach seeds can be sow in directly into the soil in early spring or late summer . Sow seeds 1/2 in deep and 1 - 2 inches apart . Keep thesoil moistuntil sprouting , which usually takes 7 - 10 days .
4. Thin Seedlings
Once theseedlings emerge , thin them to a spatial arrangement of 6 - 8 inches toprevent overcrowding . Removing weaker seedlings allowsstronger plantsto thrive .
5. Fertilize Regularly
inseminate spinach every 2 - 3 weeks with abalanced limpid fertilizer . Avoid over - fertilizing , as too much N can causeexcessive leaf growthat the disbursal of root development .
6. Water Consistently
Spinach require ordered wet to produce untoughened , saporous leafage . piddle deeply and regularly , especially during hot , ironic weather . void overwatering , assoggy soilcan take to origin rot .
7. Protect from Pests and Diseases
Spinach is susceptible to various pests and diseases , include aphids , slug , anddowny mildew . Practice good garden hygiene by removing weeds and debris , and use constitutive pest control methods whenever possible .
Harvesting Spinach
Spinach leaves are ready to harvest when they accomplish a size of it of 4 - 6 inch . Harvest leaves from theouter partof the plant , allowing the inner farewell tocontinue growing . disregard or perpetrate leafage at the base , leave the roots integral for continuous ontogeny .
Succession Planting
To extend yourspinach harvest , practice chronological succession planting . Sow fresh seed every few hebdomad throughout thegrowing season . This ensures a continuous supply of fresh prickly-seeded spinach .
Growing Spinach in Containers
If space is super limited , produce spinachin container . Choose a weed with drain holes and fill up it with a well - draining potting mixture . Sow seminal fluid or transplant seedlings and follow the samecare instructionsas for garden - grown spinach .
Preserving Spinach
Once harvested , spinach can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a workweek . To extend itsshelf life , blanch spinach leavesinboiling waterfor 1 - 2 bit and then stop dead them .
What You Need to Learn
How often should I water spinach?
Water spinach deeply and regularly , particularly during hot , teetotal weather . Allow the territory to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering .
How do I prevent spinach from bolting?
bolt , orpremature inflorescence , can hap when spinach is scupper to high-pitched temperatures . To prevent bolting , provide shadeduring thehottest partof the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. and keep the land systematically moist .
Can I grow spinach in the summer?
Spinach is a coolheaded - time of year crop thatprefers temperaturesbetween 40 - 70 ° F . It can be challenging togrow spinachin the summer heat , but take heat - patient of varieties and providing shade can help .
