Spinacia oleracea

Cultivation

It is grown from seedlings (with root clod, several plants in one pot) or sown outside. Plant in rows and till regularly as it needs airy soil. It grows above 5 °C (41 °F). Optimum temperatures for growth and development are around 18 °C (64 °F).

Distance between plants

At least 20 cm (8 in) between the rows, plants thickly in a row.

Location

Sunny to half-shaded.

Amount

To 5 plants per person.

Time of planting

March-beginning of May, July, mid-August – mid-September outside. September and October for overwintering. March and April for seedlings. Shade the plants, sowed in summer. Seeds germinate in about two weeks.

Fertilization

In the second field, after the plants that have been fertilized with barn manure. It doesn’t need fertilization. Don’t fertilize with nitrogen.

Watering

It is usually not needed. Water after summer sowing to help the seeds to germinate.

Spinach’s good neighbors

Brassica vegetables, tomatoes, beans, broad beans, potatoes, celery, onion, parsnip, basil, strawberries, sweet corn. Plant among the plants that are prone to flea beetle attacks.

Spinach’s bad neighbors

Beetroot.

Diseases and pests

Prevent diseases with algae based fertilizers and soft soil. Ladybugs take care of lice that occasionally appear on this plant. There will be fewer lice if you don’t fertilize.

Spinach’s storage

Use fresh leaves and cut only as much as you will use. Don’t store in the fridge. Blanch and cool quickly before freezing.

Food

Leaves can be used raw or cooked. Remove the stems and add milk to cooked spinach (it binds harmful oxalates). Eat fresh plants and dishes, because stale dishes contain nitrites.

Important

It is a good indicator of the irregularities in soil elemental structure. Its roots contain saponins which increase the absorption of nutrients to the root cells, and shouldn’t be left in the soil. It doesn’t take frequent planting in the same spot well. It needs the proper amount of potassium in the soil. It benefits from tilling and keeping the soil soft. Water lingering in the soil is not good for it.

Miscellaneous

It is one of the healthiest and vitamin-rich plants. It is also used as a plant for green fertilization.