When is the best time to plant spinach?

Spinach is a highly adaptable vegetable that can be grown in different seasons throughout the year by sowing. Spinach cultivation also requires consideration of factors such as soil selection, seed selection, sowing techniques, shading and watering, and fertilization strategies. Let’s learn in detail below: When is the best time to plant spinach?

When is the best time to plant spinach?

Although spinach has strong adaptability, its growth may be affected under high temperature conditions. High temperature may also reduce the seed germination rate and cause uneven seedling emergence. In northern regions, it is more suitable to plant spinach after the Beginning of Autumn solar term, because although the temperature at noon is still high, the temperature in the morning and evening is more suitable for spinach growth. In Northeast China, planting can start after the beginning of autumn, while in North China, it is suitable to plant after the end of summer until September. This refers to spinach harvested in autumn, and if you are planting overwintering spinach, you need to wait until October.

Things to note when growing spinach

Choose spinach varieties that are hardy, heat-tolerant, and suitable for the local climate.

Treat the seeds before sowing. Because the outer layer of spinach seeds is hard, it may affect the speed of germination. You can first gently rub the seeds with the sole of your shoe and then soak them in water for about 8 hours to promote germination. When sowing, you can choose to sow in rows or broadcast, and cover the seeds with about 1.5 cm of soil after sowing. Be sure to moisten the soil before sowing to avoid drying out during germination.

After the spinach seedlings emerge, if the ambient temperature is still high, the soil needs to be kept moist to avoid water shortage. If it does not rain, water it regularly with small amounts of water and apply a thin layer of fertilizer water. It takes about a month from sowing to thinning out the seedlings for consumption.

Basic conditions for growing spinach

Climate conditions: Spinach is highly adaptable, but prefers a mild climate. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for growing spinach because the climatic conditions in these two seasons are relatively stable and the temperatures are moderate.

Temperature requirements: Spinach seeds can germinate above 4°C, but the most suitable growth temperature is 15°C to 20°C. Both high temperatures and extremely low temperatures can affect the growth of spinach.

Light requirements: Spinach does not have particularly high light requirements, but sufficient sunlight helps promote healthy growth, especially in the early stages of growth.

Soil Conditions: Spinach requires fertile, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter to support the development of the spinach root system.

Water management: Spinach needs adequate water throughout its growing cycle, but avoid excessive water that can cause root diseases. Keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.

Fertilizer requirements: Spinach grows quickly and requires a lot of fertilizer. Before planting, sufficient base fertilizer should be applied, mainly organic fertilizer . During the growth process, apply fertilizer in time according to the growth of spinach, especially after the true leaves grow and during the rapid growth period.

The above is an introduction to the basic conditions and time for growing spinach. Spinach is a vegetable variety that likes a cool environment. If it is planted in summer, more attention needs to be paid.