Gardening is a Natural Beginning to a Healthier Living.
french orach spinach
imperial green spinach
imperial green spinach
imperial green spinach
imperial green spinach
imperial green spinach
germination
5-7 days if the soil in above 70 degrees. Germination rate will increase in time if the soil is cooler. Soil that is around 50 degrees will cause the seeds to delay germination for about 21 days.
full sun
Although spinach thrives in cooler weather, after germination, it also needs full sun. Depending on your climate, you can plant in early Spring for an early Summer crop, or plant in late Summer for an early Fall crop. This is ideal for zone 8b growers.
ph level
6.5-7.5
annual
Spinach is an annual. It is grown to be harvested in the same year.
weather
Cooler weather is best, but not below 60 degrees. Spinach can tolerate some mild colder weather, but not freezes. The weather is best around 70 degrees during the day. As the weather warms, spinach will tend to bolt.
dirt
Spinach grows best in soil that is rich in organic matter. It is not a heavy feeder and is rarely troubled by diseases.
Moist, nitrogen-rich soil provides the plant the proper nutrients for rich dark green leaves. Spinach plants form a deep taproot, so loosen the soil at least 1 foot deep before planting.
planting
Sow spinach seed as early as six weeks before the last frost or as soon as you can work the soil. Plant directly in the ground and do not start indoors. Spinach plants have a deep taproot that does not transplant well. Plant seeds about 12 inches apart, giving them plenty of space for the roots and for the leaves to grow without being overcroweded.
fertilizing
Fertilize spinach plants lightly every 2-3 weeks with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer for dark green leaves.
harvest
Cut off the larger outer leaves to allow the smaller leaves to continue to grow. If you keep pruning back the largest leaves as they grow, your plant will continue production for months as long as the weather is ideal.
storage
After you harvest your spinach leaves, save in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in the appropriate container. Enjoy fresh spinach for cooking or making shakes.
When spinach is cooked, it takes on a different flavor.
When eaten raw, there really is not much flavor.
insects
Spinach is almost resistant to all insects. However, no plants is completely absent of insects. Cutworms like to chow down on the baby spinach plants and will eat them down to the ground. Wireworms will snack on the foliage and roots, leaving you stems with no leaves.
Aphids are another pest for so many plants. If you find aphids, use soapy water to spray them off your leaves.
companion plants
Spinach is a good companion for Brassicas, eggplants, leeks, lettuce, peas, radish, and strawberries.