A favorite among many horticulturists is spinach. It is a versatile, nutrient-dense vegetable that is easy to grow. To ensure a successful harvest, You must first be aware of when spinach is planted, as it may vary depending on your location and temperature.
In this article you will be able to discover when spinach is planted in your region, taking into account the various environmental aspects that can have an impact on its performance and growth. In addition, we will explain how to plant this vegetable step by step and how long it takes to grow before it can be harvested.
When and how to plant spinach?
Before you start growing this vegetable, you must first know when the plant is planted. spinach. Obviously, depending on the region you are in, the planting month may vary slightly. In general, the best time to carry out this task is in autumn and winter, when temperatures are still somewhat cool. In Spain, for example, it is best to plant spinach in these months:
- Southern areas: September or October.
- Downtown areas: From October to december.
- Northern areas: From October to February.
Luckily, spinach can thrive in a wide variety of environments. However, it is worth taking into account What are the environmental conditions that this plant requires? at planting time:
- Temperature: It prefers cold climates, with a temperature that oscillates between 10ºC and 25ºC. When they get too tall, spinach can start to flower. Consequently, the quality of its leaves is diminished.
- Light: Although it is true that this vegetable needs direct sunlight, it also requires some shade, especially at noon in warmer climates.
- Soil: Organically rich, well-drained soil is ideal for growing spinach. As for the pH, it is best to be slightly acidic, from 6 to 7,5.
In the event that it is not entirely clear to you when spinach is grown in your region, you can consult it in a nursery or in a garden store. Surely they will know how to tell you the best time to carry out this task in your area!
How to plant spinach step by step
Once you are clear about when spinach is planted, it is time to get down to work and plant this vegetable. I will explain how to do it below Step by Step, You'll see how easy:
- Choose the location: When choosing the place where you want to plant the spinach, it is important to take into account the sun exposure it has. For this vegetable, it is best to receive direct sunlight, but not throughout the day. If possible, let it have shade during noon.
- Prepare the soil: Regarding the soil, it must be rich in nutrients and well drained if you want to grow spinach successfully. If you want to increase its fertility, you can add some compost.
- Plant the seeds: The spinach seeds should be 2-3 centimeters apart and half a centimeter deep. You can spread them throughout the planting area or plant them in rows. Next, cover the spinach seeds lightly with soil. If you prefer to sow in seedbeds, use trays with soil to sow the seeds. Once the seedlings have developed some leaves, you can transplant them into the final soil.
- Water: Once the seeds are planted, it's time to water them. It is important to keep the soil moist while they are germinating, but avoid getting waterlogged so that the plant is not damaged.
After having carried out these simple steps, you only have to take care of the spinach until it grows enough to harvest it. Remember to keep the soil moist throughout the growing season and fertilize the vegetables occasionally with a balanced fertilizer to care for them. Besides, You must go checking that the plants are well and are not affected by any pest or disease. In such a case, you should act as soon as possible.
How long does it take to grow spinach?
From the time of sowing, spinach normally takes between 30 and 45 days to reach maturity. However, the exact time may vary depending on the kind of spinach, growing conditions and temperature. This vegetable can be harvested as soon as the leaves are large enough to be useful, often a few weeks after planting.
To harvest the plant, you can cut it at the base or collect the individual leaves, as you see necessary. If you want to promote growth and prevent the plant from flowering too early, you should harvest it frequently. It is best to carry out the collection of this vegetable before it starts to get too hot. If the temperatures start to rise too much, its leaves will no longer serve us for consumption, since they tend to become bitter and hard.
By following these tips, you will surely get some delicious spinach!