Spinach
Spinacia oleracea
History
Spinach dates back over 2000 years and was first cultivated in the middle east. first making its way to china then europe it never gained a large popularity until Popeye the salior man in the 1930s. The nutritional value of spinach was highly over estimated claiming 10 times the amount iron then what it actually had it had already been proped up modern culture.
Growing conditions
Sunlight
Needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day
Temperature Range
50F-60F
Soil Conditions
Sandy Loam soil.
Water
1 to 2 inches of water per week.
Water the plants regularly keeping soil moist not soggy.
Nutrients
10-10-5
Adding a nitrogen rich compost can help encourage growth
pH
6.5-7.0
Plant care
Sowing Seeds
plant seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Plant seeds about 1 to 2 inches apart and cover with straw
Germination
seeds can take 7 to 14 days for germination. keep soil moist during this time.
Pruning
Cut any leaves that are touching the soil.
If the plant is being harvested for the seeds then out the base of the plant for airflow
Harvest
Cut the outer most leaves leaving the crown intact.
Growing Tips
Once flower production has started stop harvesting greens and allow for the plant to focus energy to the flowers.
Garden plotter quick facts
Spacing
10" to 16"
Water needs
Low
Sunlight
Full Sun
Root vegetable that grows best in loose, sandy soil.
