Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
QUICK TIPS FOR GROWING SPINACH
FAMILY
NAME
Chenopodiaceae (goosefoot family).
EDIBLE
PARTS
Leaves and stems.
LOCATION
Full sun.
BEST SOIL
Rich soil abundant in nitrogen; pH 6.2-6.9.
WHEN TO
PLANT
Low-temperature season. Start sowing indoors in April to July
and transplant out every 4 weeks, or it can be direct-seeded as
soon as the soil is worked.
HOW TO
PLANT.
Can be direct-seeded or transplanted. Plant ⁄ -inch deep, 1 inch
1
apart, and space 6 to 8 inches apart in rows at least 12 inches
apart.
4
HOW MUCH
TO PLANT
10 to 15 plants per person each season.
WEEDING
Keep beds well weeded.
WATERING
Keep soil moist; sprinkling will keep the leaves cooler in warm
weather.
CARE
May need a little shade if the weather gets warm. A floating row
cover works well.
FERTILIZING
Give spinach plants a nitrogen-rich fertilizer once they are grown,
or approximately once every 10 to 14 days.
PESTS AND
DISEASES
Aphids, slugs, cabbageworms, and leaf miners are common.
WHEN TO
HARVEST
Can be harvested at any size from baby leaves to maturity, which
ranges from 40 to 50 days.
HOW TO
HARVEST
Cut outer leaves as they grow or at the base of a mature plant.
STORAGE
Spinach does not store well. Wash leaves, dry them in a salad
spinner, and place them in a sealed plastic bag or container.
Spinach will keep in the refrigerator for a few days.
