Growing spinach is an excellent idea for anyone interested in a cost effective way to add valuable nutrients to a diet. Spinach is a member of the green family that can easily be grown by sowing seeds. An excellent source of vitamins A and C as well as iron and calcium, this leafy green vegetable comes in different textures and ranges in color from light to dark green. There are certain times of the year that are best for growing this vegetable. While relatively simple to grow, you should have an understanding of the best time to plant.
Spinach that has dark green leaves that are crinkled and crisp are referred to as savoyed or semi-savoyed type. This type is ideal for growing during the colder months of the year. Another variety of this vegetable is smooth-leafed. This is characterized by a lighter shade leaf that grows vertically and is easy to wash. This type grows quickly and can be picked and eaten before it reaches full size.
For optimal results it is beneficial to know the best time to plant this vegetable. You should avoid planting seeds in the summer months. Late winter is an ideal time to plant seeds of this vegetable. Place the seeds in a protective box inside or outside. Every three weeks individuals should make two spring sowings. If you are planning on growing this vegetable in the fall then plant the seeds no more than seven weeks before the first frost.
For best results soil should be loosened and mixed with soybean and alfalfa meal. Growth is more likely to occur if seeds are planted one half inch into the ground and approximately two inches in distance from each other. Because the leaves of this vegetable can spread out, space rows about eight inches apart.
Because this vegetable grows so quickly, you have the option to pluck leaves to be used for cooking as soon as six weeks after planting. The root of the plant should remain in the soil so that growth and harvest can continue. Do not uproot the vegetable until it becomes noticeably tall, which typically occurs in the springtime.
There are a few techniques to practice to keep the spinach in optimal condition. Making sure that there is little to no mulch surrounding the area where the vegetable is planted will help to keep slugs away. Additionally, rodents are likely to stay away if the seeds are planted enough distance from each other. Yellowing or aging leaves can be an indicator of a viral disease that can attack the vegetable. If you notice this you may wish to uproot the vegetable to avoid any future damage.
Spinach has a crisp, sweet flavor when freshly picked. It grows quickly and so needs to be planted continuously so that you can continue to enjoy its flavor.
Growing spinach is not difficult if you're aware of the best times to plant seeds, as well as the techniques of harvesting. This tasty vegetable is loaded with nutrients and can be used as part of a salad or main course meal. You may want to try different varieties of this vegetable, as well as different methods of preparing it to determine your favorite spinach type and recipe.
Spinach that has dark green leaves that are crinkled and crisp are referred to as savoyed or semi-savoyed type. This type is ideal for growing during the colder months of the year. Another variety of this vegetable is smooth-leafed. This is characterized by a lighter shade leaf that grows vertically and is easy to wash. This type grows quickly and can be picked and eaten before it reaches full size.
For optimal results it is beneficial to know the best time to plant this vegetable. You should avoid planting seeds in the summer months. Late winter is an ideal time to plant seeds of this vegetable. Place the seeds in a protective box inside or outside. Every three weeks individuals should make two spring sowings. If you are planning on growing this vegetable in the fall then plant the seeds no more than seven weeks before the first frost.
For best results soil should be loosened and mixed with soybean and alfalfa meal. Growth is more likely to occur if seeds are planted one half inch into the ground and approximately two inches in distance from each other. Because the leaves of this vegetable can spread out, space rows about eight inches apart.
Because this vegetable grows so quickly, you have the option to pluck leaves to be used for cooking as soon as six weeks after planting. The root of the plant should remain in the soil so that growth and harvest can continue. Do not uproot the vegetable until it becomes noticeably tall, which typically occurs in the springtime.
There are a few techniques to practice to keep the spinach in optimal condition. Making sure that there is little to no mulch surrounding the area where the vegetable is planted will help to keep slugs away. Additionally, rodents are likely to stay away if the seeds are planted enough distance from each other. Yellowing or aging leaves can be an indicator of a viral disease that can attack the vegetable. If you notice this you may wish to uproot the vegetable to avoid any future damage.
Spinach has a crisp, sweet flavor when freshly picked. It grows quickly and so needs to be planted continuously so that you can continue to enjoy its flavor.
Growing spinach is not difficult if you're aware of the best times to plant seeds, as well as the techniques of harvesting. This tasty vegetable is loaded with nutrients and can be used as part of a salad or main course meal. You may want to try different varieties of this vegetable, as well as different methods of preparing it to determine your favorite spinach type and recipe.
About the Author:
Susan not only writes on vegetable gardening topics, but she also reads a lot. View some other articles on how to grow spinach and growing spinach on these other sites.