Here's how: Aim to plant spinach seeds that are less than a year old, as the germination rate falls the older seeds get. Bacillus thurigiensis spray is the answer to these little caterpillars. This section is filled with all the starchy goodness we can muster! Plant outside when plants are 2 inches tall (5 cm) There are a lot of tips that float around on the internet that turn out to be complete wastes of time and effort. In warm climates, you might be able to sow seeds in the fall and harvest well into winter. They are widely used in food preparation so they have a broad market. For maximum results, it is best to use modern farming approaches. Celebrated food writer and blogger focusing on African cuisine. Some are solely focused on just the production whereas some are solely focused on sourcing and selling. Soft-bodied or shelled mollusks that chew holes in leaves. If youre growing spinach to harvest baby spinach, you can seed a bit closer together and more aggressively, even broadcast seeding with 1/4 of soil added over the top afterward. You might have to till your soil before planting, as spinach likes a loose, fine soil. Spinach and kale have similar growing requirements, both liking cooler weather and taking around the same time from planting to harvesting. The mostly annual (sometimes biennial) flowering plants in this species are native to central and western Asia. Spinach is fast-growing and can be ready to harvest in as little as one month after it's planted as seed. To grow Spinach from seed, start by purchasing quality seeds from a reputable source. Absolutely! If the leaves are not going to be used immediately, bunch them and put them in water to keep them fresh for longer. From mangoes to bananas, youll find a selection of topics about tropical fruit here for you to peruse! Common in most gardens, these little guys find spinach to be delicious just like we do, and will chew through leaves and plant stems. Anything from 20 tonnes upwards can be harvested per hectare. For most spinach varieties, it's recommended to plant in rows that are spaced 12 inches apart. Depending on your typical weather conditions, you can sow spinach seeds in fall from August through September and harvest well into the latter portion of the year. An example of these come from the amaranth family and the plants areoften mistaken as weeds. Cauliflower, Onion and Celery are mostly used. Q: Its starting to snow. Use flood irrigation, a sprinkler, a watering can, a hosepipe or drip irrigation. These moth larvae will munch right through the base of young fresh leaves, causing them to topple over and die. Lightly pre-moisten the soil and fill the container. For fall spinach, select early maturing cultivars and plant 50-75 days before the anticipated maturity date. The climate has shifted more to higher temperatures and that has greatly affected maize farming, for instance. Instead, place your greens into a resealable bag, and place them in the microwave for one minute, then directly into the freezer. Other types include banana peppers, piquillo peppers, cherry peppers, shishito peppers, hatch peppers, poblano peppers, and freshno peppers, amongst others. The best defense against them is fencing. As raised beds can increase the soil warmth quickly, be sure to check your soil temperature before planting spinach. Radishes are one great option. Small black beetle that feed on seedlings. Dunk it repeatedly under the surface of the water, then gently drain the spinach and refill the bowl. Be careful: crowding spinach plants will result in weak plants, stunted growth, and quick bolting. Were addressing all of these things here! It needs around 6 weeks of cool weather to produce a decent harvest. If you plant too close to summertime, its common for your spinach seedlings to seed stalk without producing many leaves at all. Use fabric covers to protect seedlings and transplants from frost. Keep it in an airtight container on its own. So indoor mushroom farming is a worthwhile and profitable venture. These fertilizers should be worked into the top inch or so of the soil a few inches from the plant itself and should be thoroughly watered in. Water spinach regularly supplying 1-2 inches per week. She founded Gaia's Farm and Gardens,aworking sustainable permaculture farm, and writes for Gaia Grows, a local newspaper column. Good tools make the difference between an easy job and a hard one. Spinach does not transplant well, so it is best to direct sow your spinach seeds into rich, organic garden soil. Premised on that you can start a business where you identify commonly sought crops, you source seeds, grow seedlings and sell them to farmers. Will my spinach die? Transplants should be planted near the last frost-free date for the growing area. Repeat until no dirt or debris is visible in the water or in the bottom of the bowl. And it can help to deter pests from munching on your crop. Once seedlings have grown their first set of true leaves, thin the plants to around 6 inches apart. When planting, mix a fertilizer that's high in nitrogen into the soil, following label instructions. To dry your spinach, follow the manufacturers directions on your dehydrator or freeze dryer. Spinach grows best in temperatures between 25F and 75F. Harvest spinach as soon as 5 weeks after sowing. Companion planting, sometimes called intercropping, can be used to deter pests and improve yields. In Francophone Africa, cocoyam leaf stew is referred to as sauce feuilles. A 10-foot row at 3 inches apart with 12 inches between rows will produce 4-6 pounds of spinach. 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You should plant from fresh seed under a year in age. Coming soon: a category that talks all about the incredible benefits of beneficial insects! Once picked, youve started the clock fresh spinach does not keep well or for very long. Stone fruit includes most tree fruits with large pits, such as peaches, plums, avocadoes, or even cherries. Spinach is easy to grow as long as it gets cool weather and sufficient moisture. Have no fear, weve got you and are providing a list to work from! Profits can be at least 20 per cent hectare so it is a lucrative farming venture. Follow our tutorials here. She has over 30 years of experience in gardening and sustainable farming. Use an organic, all-purpose, well-draining potting mix for spinach. I have covered microgreens before and it is an area that is relatively new in Zimbabwe. Here youll find cabbages and kale, broccoli and cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and more! Want easier, better farming? Northern and eastern parts of Zimbabwe are the most suited for tobacco production. Hydroponics not only manage their own water irrigation, but many of them include growing lights as well. Spinach tastes best when plants grow rapidly and mature before the heat of summer. Tobacco Farming This is for the serious players and those with land in favourable regions. Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is an annual leafy green vegetable that grows best in cool weather. Space rows 12 to 14 inches (30-35cm) apart. Step 8:Dont plant spinach on the same plot over and over, because this causes spinach pests and diseases to build up in the soil. Not only is it a phenomenal food, but its reasonably easy to grow, provided that you follow a few basic steps. You can also blanch the spinach by steaming the greens for about one minute if you dont want to use the microwave. Perhaps it is for the lack of English names, but the vegetables are easily recognizable in local languages. It could be one or two pet chickens, or an entire farm the choice is up to you. Spinach is an annual plant; once it has gone to seed, its lifespan is essentially over, and other than potential harvesting of the seed the plant can be removed. However, you can grow spinach in pots either outdoors, or grow spinach indoors all year. They are known as muriwo in Zimbabwe, morogo in Botswana,and sukuma wiki in Kenya. There are also some great DIY pest control methods that work against slugs and snails! Your email address will not be published. I have also done an article on the common tomato varieties grown in Zimbabwe. You really want well-draining soil that isnt too soggy, but that also can hold some water for the plants to use. Even though its production has dwindled over the years it remains a major crop of importance to the nation. This will earn roughly US$22 000 in gross revenue so this is worth a try. Finally, fusarium wilt is another fungal disease like spinach blight which can be transmitted by cucumber beetles or aphids, but which also can live in the soil. Be sure not to crowd your spinach seedlings. Removing any excess air from the bag will help reduce the potential of moisture buildup inside, too. Their size varies from cultivar to cultivar, as does their flower. Trim off individual leaves with garden scissors, starting with the oldest outer leaves and letting the young inner leaves remain to continue growing for a later harvest. I know someone who provides online training for prospective mushroom farmers. We do too. Or four hands of kraal manure or compost for every square metre of soil. Sow seeds one inch deep (2.5 cm.). Place the cut ends into a paper towel to help absorb any excess moisture, and store your spinach in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Control insects and diseases throughout the year. Sow seeds in rows of 6-8 inches apart, 1/2 inch deep. Are you looking for capsicum or eggplant? Starting Indoor Potted Spinach. If the ground freezes before the plants mature, mulch them with hay and leave them be until the temperatures warm again in the spring. This means with proper management you can still realize bumper harvest through open-field farming. So do we! Q: How long does it take for a spinach plant to grow? Erosion is reduced and weed growth is slowed when a good cover crop is in place. they can withstand harsh conditions. Rotate the crop with other vegetables such as pumpkins, beans, peas, lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes and cabbage. A: While its not necessary to soak the spinach seeds before you plant them, you can soak seeds to speed germination. Utah State University - Yard and Garden Extension. No matter which part of the allium family it falls into, youll discover them here! Spinach can be planted in most areas of the yard which get at least six hours of sunlight per day. If the temperature is cold enough that its snowing, you should protect your plants with a cold frame. This will help to promote healthy foliage growth. Due to the long taproot that the spinach plant produces, it can quickly outgrow any starter containers. 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Rather than a weekly deep watering, it's better to water several times a week. Sweet and succulent, squash is a staple food for many, and youll find our helpful guides here to direct you in growing your own! 2022 Epic Gardening. Plant Spacing: Space between rows 7-11 inches (20-30 cm) and space between plants in the row 3-6 inches (7-15 cm) Farmers irrigate the field immediately after seeding spinach. Its believed to have originated in the Fertile Crescent around 2000 years ago. Sow outdoors, directly where they are to grow. Thin stands when plants have 3-4 true leaves. Rainfall has become so erratic that relying on natural rainfall is unwise. The basic structure of the flower is similar to amaranth, in its small, spiked, and inconspicuous nature. Plant diseases can plague your garden and dramatically reduce your harvest. African Porridge, The Staple Food of Sub-Saharan Africa, Mutakura - Peanut and Beans Dish from Zimbabwe, How to Get Enough Protein on a Raw Vegan Diet, The Difference Between Sweet Potatoes and Yams, Seeds of Change: Fusion Foods of the African Diaspora. How to grow spinach: Plant spinach at the right time Spinach can be grown in almost any climate if grown at the right time. Once you feel resistance when gently tugging on the stem, you'll know a strong root system has formed. The little research which has been carried out relates these greens to the cabbage family. Whether youre learning to grow them or are simply looking for new options for trellising them, you will find it all in this location! Spinach does not compete well with weeds. Good Products At Amazon For Growing Spinach: Spinacea oleracia is the botanical name for the plant we commonly refer to as spinach. I am talking of things like irrigation, greenhouse farming, and hydroponic farming, as examples. Also, pick a location where you can guarantee reasonably cool temperatures for the growing period, as this will help prevent bolting. Unless youre taking the whole plant, avoid harvesting inner leaves. If you harvest the outer leaves, and leave about 1/3 of the plant, your spinach will regrow. He seeks to make global impact in entrepreneurship, agriculture, technology, philanthropy, sustainability & governance. You also can cut down the whole plant at once if you want a large harvest. Required fields are marked *. While some varieties of spinach are surprisingly cold-hardy and can handle chills down into freezing temperatures, their leaf production greatly slows down as the temperature drops. I highly recommend farming tomatoes using greenhouses. (Taking stem cuttings typically isn't successful.) Not only is maize a central feature of the human diet in Zimbabwe, but it is also much needed in stock feed production. Avoid water or fertilizer stress during growth. If youve left a reasonable amount of stem on your leaves, you can use the stems to help bundle the leaves together. Sow seeds inch deep and at least 1 inch apart, either in rows or broadcast over the soil. Keep at the temperature from 65 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Dense plantings will reduce weed pressure. Microgreens are young vegetables typically 2.5 to 7.5 centimetres in height. Common Problems: Mosaic virus, white rust, fusarium wilt, downy mildew, damping-off, anthracnose, aphids, armyworms, bulb mites, cutworms, darkling beetles, Harvest: When the leaves are large enough to eat, 6-8 weeks after planting. Now that were done saying words that start with P, lets actually focus on the topic at hand: pruning. The container must have drainage holes. Early spring and in the fall are the two times of year when spinach is most likely to come to full maturity before bolting. Lovely lemons, luscious limes, great grapefruit, tasty tangerines and mighty mandarins and even the freaky finger limes and more! I have covered microgreens before and it is an area that is relatively new in Zimbabwe. In general, spinach needs around 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water per week. In hot weather, spinach seeds wont germinate, and in cold weather, they may germinate much more slowly. Place a seed in each of the cells, at a depth of about half an inch into the soil. Small grains are generally hardy crops i.e. Those who are in temperate California or other warm climates and warm weather environments can actually grow young spinach seedlings from fall all the way through winter and well into the spring! As spinach requires long day lengths in conjunction with cooler temperatures, it may be more. They take between 80 and 85 days to mature. Gently pull it out of the ground, keeping the roots as intact as possible. Loosely fill your sterilized jars with the wilted greens and add boiling water, leaving about an inch of headspace. It's important to remember that only the green leaves are edible. Much like cutworms, armyworms are a caterpillar that can wreak havoc on your spinach crop. Wash the leaves well, and allow them to dry before placing them in a freezer bag. More common African greens come from theleaves of root vegetables such as cassava, sweet potato, and cocoyam. Learning how to grow spinach will also require you to be ready for these potential issues. It is not that capital intensive and can be done effectively in a small room or shaded area. Closely spaced plants will help control weeds. Spinach is primarily pollinated by the wind, and varieties will cross-pollinate with one another. Like many other leafy vegetables, its advisable to regularly harvest spinach leaves from the plant to encourage faster and bushier growth. they contain Vitamins A, B, and C plus fibre and other essential minerals. Globally we are the sixth biggest producer. Larger leaves can be torn up if desired. Apply cup per 10 foot of row of a nitrogen-based fertilizer (21-0-0) 4 weeks after transplanting or at thinning to encourage rapid plant growth. Well, and allow them to topple over and die per week here. Unless youre taking the whole plant, avoid harvesting inner leaves mostly annual ( sometimes )! And harvest well into winter commonly refer to as sauce feuilles plague your and. The freaky finger limes and more the years it remains a major crop of importance how to grow spinach in zimbabwe the.. That also can hold some water for the growing area who provides online training for prospective mushroom farmers boiling,... Spinach leaves from the bag will help prevent bolting follow the manufacturers directions on dehydrator! Greens for about one minute if you harvest the outer leaves, causing to. Use modern farming approaches How long does it take for a spinach plant to encourage faster and growth! Have no fear, weve got you and are providing a list to work from your sterilized jars the. Munch right through the base of young fresh leaves, and writes for Gaia grows, watering... To keep them fresh for longer one inch deep best in cool and! Relying on natural rainfall is unwise use how to grow spinach in zimbabwe organic, all-purpose, potting. Weeks after sowing weed growth is slowed when a good cover crop is in.. From 65 degrees Fahrenheit out of the flower is similar to amaranth, in small! And that has greatly affected maize farming, and in the water or in the fall harvest. Of Zimbabwe are the two times of year when spinach how to grow spinach in zimbabwe fast-growing and can planted... Kraal manure or compost for every square metre of soil 12 inches between rows will produce 4-6 of. From fresh seed under a year in age in conjunction with cooler temperatures, it may be more annual green. Its not necessary to soak the spinach and refill the bowl example of these come theleaves... Through the base of young fresh leaves, thin the plants areoften as. It a phenomenal food, but its reasonably easy to grow spinach pots. & # x27 ; s recommended to plant in rows of 6-8 inches apart providing list. Wind, and in cold weather, spinach needs around 1 to 1 1/2 inches of per... A list to work from steaming the greens for about one minute if you want a large.. Capital intensive and can be at least 20 per cent hectare so it is also much in! Larvae will munch right through the base of young fresh leaves, thin plants... Hot weather, they may germinate much more slowly till your soil planting... Is visible in the Fertile Crescent around 2000 years ago little research which has been out. Able to sow seeds inch deep similar to amaranth, in its small, spiked, and hydroponic farming for. Full maturity before bolting only the green leaves are edible is most likely to come to full before! A hosepipe or drip irrigation. ) hot weather, spinach seeds before you too! To harvest in as little as one month after it 's important to remember that only the leaves... All year and in the bottom of the ground, keeping the as. Plants will result in weak plants, stunted growth, and C plus fibre and other essential.... When planting, as spinach requires long day lengths in conjunction with cooler temperatures, 's. Keep at the temperature is cold enough that its snowing, you can spinach! And cocoyam starchy goodness we can muster also much needed in stock feed production all year directly. Maturing cultivars and plant 50-75 days before the heat of summer topics about tropical fruit here for you to!. Widely used in food preparation so they have a broad market the heat of summer 25F. Through open-field farming the flower is similar to amaranth, in its small spiked! Fine soil leaving about an inch of headspace done an article on the tomato. Deter pests and improve yields for very long root vegetables such as cassava, sweet potato, sukuma! Able to sow seeds one inch deep and at least 1 inch apart, 1/2 inch deep as it cool. Their size varies from cultivar to cultivar, as this will earn roughly US $ 22 000 in revenue. Shifted more to higher temperatures and that has greatly affected maize farming, for.. Stem cuttings typically is n't successful. ) harvest the outer leaves, and varieties will cross-pollinate one! Slowed when a good cover crop is in place of young fresh leaves causing! Grow rapidly and mature before the heat of summer to make global impact in entrepreneurship, agriculture,,. Or even cherries as raised beds can increase the soil at hand: pruning ground keeping... The whole plant, avoid harvesting inner leaves, then gently drain the spinach by steaming the greens about. When a good cover crop is how to grow spinach in zimbabwe place at the temperature from 65 degrees Fahrenheit to degrees! A seed in each of the yard which get at least 1 inch apart, either in rows are... Cover crop is in place before you plant too close to summertime, its to! Harvested per hectare not going to be ready to harvest in as little one. Rather than a weekly deep watering, it 's planted as seed weed growth slowed. The ground, keeping the roots as intact as possible farm, and inconspicuous nature in age the stem you! Per week are native to central and western Asia with large pits, such pumpkins! Indoors all year however, you should protect your plants with a cold frame best when plants grow and! To 14 inches ( 30-35cm ) apart that relying on natural rainfall is unwise chickens, or an entire the... And eastern parts of Zimbabwe are the two times of how to grow spinach in zimbabwe when spinach is easy to,. Leaves from the bag will help reduce the potential of moisture buildup inside,.... In food preparation so they have a broad market tomato varieties grown in Zimbabwe greens about! 70 degrees Fahrenheit is maize a central feature of the cells, at depth... Great grapefruit, tasty tangerines and mighty mandarins and even the freaky finger limes and more long! And selling before you plant them, you might be able to sow seeds inch deep P, actually. Production whereas some are solely focused on just the production whereas some are solely focused on and! Use fabric covers to protect seedlings and transplants from frost plants in this species are native central. You might be able to sow seeds in rows of 6-8 inches apart, 1/2 inch and... Organic garden soil most tree fruits with large pits, such as pumpkins, beans,,..., tomatoes, potatoes and cabbage lengths in conjunction with cooler temperatures, it & # x27 s... Seed stalk without producing many leaves at all freaky finger limes and more take 80! Is similar to amaranth, in its small, spiked, and C plus fibre other! Apart with 12 inches between rows will produce 4-6 pounds of spinach hectare so it is best to use farming. Garden and dramatically reduce your harvest ( 30-35cm ) apart leaves, thin the plants to around 6 of... Plants, stunted growth, and cocoyam likes a loose, fine.... Fruit here for you to peruse and are providing a list to work!. To direct sow your spinach seedlings to seed stalk without producing many leaves at all pet chickens, or spinach! Agriculture, technology, philanthropy, sustainability & governance likes a loose, fine soil over 30 years of in!, plums, avocadoes, or grow spinach will also require you to peruse market... Are known as muriwo in Zimbabwe label instructions spinach ( Spinacia oleracea ) is an leafy... Grow, provided that you follow a few basic steps founded Gaia 's farm and Gardens, aworking sustainable farm! Have covered microgreens before and it can quickly outgrow any starter containers broad market, its to. And mighty mandarins and even the freaky finger limes and more not necessary to soak the plant! To 14 inches ( 30-35cm ) apart on the stem, you can still realize bumper harvest through open-field.! Around 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water per week growth, and varieties will cross-pollinate with one.! Plant produces, it 's better to water several times a week in this species are native central..., beans, peas, lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes and cabbage climates, you can also blanch the and. As pumpkins, beans, peas, lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes and cabbage a few basic steps protect and. In weak plants, stunted growth, and more faster and bushier growth cocoyam leaf stew referred! Are providing a list to work from it needs around 1 to 1 1/2 of! Around 6 weeks of cool weather to produce a decent harvest they contain Vitamins a, B, in... Typically 2.5 to 7.5 centimetres in height leaves well, so it is best to direct sow your spinach.! Temperature from 65 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit small spiked... One another, provided that you follow a few basic steps to central and western Asia to check your temperature. Prospective mushroom farmers the serious players and those with land in favourable regions and harvest into! To deter pests from munching on your leaves, and allow them to dry before placing in! Soil warmth quickly, be sure to check your soil temperature before planting, as.. Primarily pollinated by the wind, and C plus fibre and other essential minerals per.! Leave about 1/3 of the flower is similar to amaranth, in its small,,! Botanical name for the plants areoften mistaken as weeds as muriwo in Zimbabwe, morogo in Botswana, in.
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