When is the best time to plant spinach for the winter?

Fall and winter are the best times to grow spinach , but the right temperature and timing are the keys to successful planting. Spinach grows well in autumn and tastes better in winter, so this opportunity should not be missed. So when is the best time to plant spinach for the winter? Let’s take a look below.

1. When is the best time to plant spinach for the winter?

The best time to sow spinach for the winter is between the end of September and the beginning of October, because the temperature is suitable and there is more rainfall, which is conducive to the germination and growth of seeds. Alternatively, if sown before the end of October, winter spinach will be at its best for harvest in late November to early December.

2. How to grow spinach over the winter

1. Choose the right variety

For wintering spinach, it is advisable to choose medium and late-maturing varieties that are strong in winter resistance, bolting resistance, and cold tolerance, such as round-leaf spinach, late round-leaf spinach, Huapo No. 1, Liaoning round-leaf spinach, etc.

2. Seed treatment

One week before sowing, soak the seeds in warm water for 12 hours, place them in a low temperature environment for 1 day, and then place them at 20-25℃ for germination. They can be sown after they turn white in 3-5 days. Live broadcasting is also possible in winter and spring. 3-3.5 kg of seeds are used per mu.

3. Land preparation and opening

Choose loose, fertile, water- and fertilizer-retaining, slightly acidic sandy loam or loam with good irrigation and drainage conditions. When preparing the land, apply sufficient base fertilizer, dig 1.2-1.5 meters of furrows, make the furrows 30 centimeters wide, 25-30 centimeters deep, and make the surface of the furrows level.

4. Planting seeds

Spinach is generally sown by broadcasting. Before sowing, water the bed thoroughly, mix the seeds with wood ash and sow them directly, then cover the seeds with soil and cover with sunshade nets. After the seedlings emerge, remove them or replace them with a small arch shed.

5. Field management

After the seedlings emerge and show true leaves, water them with fertilizer once. After 2 true leaves appear, combine thinning, weeding, and top dressing, with the seedling spacing being 3-4 cm. Top dressing should be light at first and then heavy, and fertilizer water should be applied 2-3 times to promote growth. Keep warm in frosty, snowy and icy weather. During the growing period, pay attention to the prevention and control of pests and diseases such as aphids, leaf miners, downy mildew, and anthracnose.

6. Harvest

Generally, seedlings can be harvested in batches when they are more than 10 cm tall. About 15 days before harvest, apply quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer once to increase yield.

That’s it