Although we are totally dependent on our grocery shops for meals, but the taste of homegrown vegetables is truly irreplaceable. In cities, we miss the taste of fresh, nutrient-rich veggie which we get in villages. So, why not to begin your own home gardening?
We’re sure that all mothers have to make a great effort to feed their children spinach. With having such health benefits, spinach unable to attract children, still part of every Indian kitchen menu.
Spinach is a rich source of Vitamin A, B, C, Iron, and Calcium - this is why it is very popular. It’s not just a leafy vegetable with multiple health benefits but also favourable. With such amazing benefits, set your own garden and start growing spinach, whether in soil or pot.
Growing Spinach At Home In India: Things You Need To Know
- Soil Type and Prep: Well-drained and fertile soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7; prepare with Organic Potting Mix.
- Germination Temperature: 10° - 22°C.
- Sowing Season: Any time except Dec-Feb.
- Sunlight: Sun to partial shade.
- Water: Avoid overwatering as spinach grows best in cold weather.
- Pests: Aphids, Flea Beetles, Leaf Miners, Cutworms, Slug or Snail. Diseases: Damping-off, Anthracnose, Downy Mildew, Cladosporium Leaf Spot, Stemphylium.
- Spinach Varieties: Malabar Spinach, Tyee, Indian Summer, Space Spinach, Catalina, Regiment, Savoy Spinach, Red Carnival, Bloomsdale, New Zealand.
- Companion Plants: Cabbage, Tomatoes, Eggplant, Peas, Brussel Sprouts, Strawberries, Radishes, Asparagus, Celery, Onions, Dill.
How To Grow Spinach At Home In Pot
Here we are going to disclose easy steps to grow spinach at home. These steps work the same with growing spinach in pots/containers.
Gather your gardening tools (or purchase online), and step towards your garden.
Choose an area that gets both light and shade for balance seed growth. Be sure the soil is well-drained and fertile. And the pH level ranges between 6.5 to 7. If your soil is not perfect, use Organic Potting Mix, help raise the garden bed with vermicompost and micronutrients.
Prepare your garden bed at least a week before planting. Sow the seeds half an inch deep and space at least 3-4 inches between two neighbouring seeds. This spacing gives plant space to grow and expand their roots.
To accelerate the germination process, keep the soil moist during this phase.
Thin the plant to about 2-3 inches once it reaches a height of 2 inches.
It’s better to water the correct amount and monitor it. You only have to ensure the soil remains moist, do not make it soggy. It is recommended to water in the early morning so the plants can absorb the water throughout the day.
If you dont have regular watering time or usually on vacation, then it is best to add
Water Storing Crystals. These water absorbing crystals reduce water stress in plants and keep the soil moist.
Do a routine checkup of your spinach plants. If you see any pests and disease affecting them, then you should give them early treatment. But don’t use any chemical pesticide as it can harm your plants health and the environment too. Use
Organic 3 in 1 Total Plant Care, derived from natural extracts effective against Fungus, Mites, Insects and many more.
Along with pests and diseases, bolting is another big and common problem with spinach plants. They are prone to bolting if your spinach plants are going to seed. It happens because of too much sun, too much heat and little water during the final growth phase.
To overcome bolting, either pull out the spinach plants immediately (otherwise, the leaves will become inedible because of bitterness). Or, let your spinach plants bloom, enjoy the spring with beautiful spinach flowers and store the seeds for next season.
Within 60 days, your spinach plants are ready for harvest if you properly maintained them.
Growing Spinach at home is not too difficult, they just require care. So, love them as you do with your beloved ones. At least one time a day, pay personal attention to your growing spinach to ensure the best yield by the end of the season.
Most importantly, never leave your pants hungry. Feed them with a plant nutrient solution. Give them a dose of Organic Plant Food, best for rapid rooting and super growth.
Your plants may suffer from slugs or snails, aphids, cutworms, leaf miners, flea beetles. Protect your plants with
Organic 3 in 1 Total Plant Care. And trim the affected part of the plant to make sure the pests do not spread and mature.
How to Harvest Spinach
The harvest time of spinach depends on the variety you have chosen to grow. Most spinach varieties will be ready for harvest within 45 days of planting.
But, in some cases, spinach takes more time that may be up to 60 days. Don’t feel bad, patience can be hectic, but the harvest is sweet.
Share your harvest with your friends and social media story and tell them that you have grown spinach successfully at home.
Once you see 5-6 leaves on each plant, don’t wait, they are fully formed and mature for harvest. Harvest your produce within a week of maturity.
Follow the steps to harvest spinach:
One way is to begin from the outside and cut inwards (towards the core) using a pair of scissors. When you need only a small amount, then this method is best for you.
Another way is to chop off the entire plant with a pair of scissors, leaving an inch from the roots. This will help re-sprout and give you more spinach. Grow it and enjoy it.
Whatever method you choose to harvest spinach, don’t wait too long to harvest the crop. Once the plant matures fully, harvest them to protect leaves from turning bitter. It is best to use fresh leaves each time. However, if you want to enjoy them later, store them in the refrigerator. They remain fresh in the refrigerator for 10-14 days, stored at a temperature of 5°-10°C.
Before using it or storing it, wash it properly with water and remove any yellow leaves.
We hope these tips will help you to grow spinach at home/indoor in pots or garden. Harvest it and serve it and taste the delicious, healthy Spinach veggie.
