Growing your own vegetables is one of the best ways to reduce what you spend on buying household items plus you do not need a large space to start your DIY garden. And even makes everything simpler because it is fast-growing and requires less gardening care and maintenance.
Read on to learn how to grow spinach in pots or containers.
But before I dive deep into the steps of growing spinach in pots, here is a short overview of what you might expect from this article:
To grow spinach in pots, plant spinach seeds 0.5 inches deep directly in a potting mix. You can also start the seeds indoors and later transplant the seedlings into large containers or pots. Under normal conditions, seedlings will begin to sprout after 3-5 days. If you start seeds indoors in a germination tray, wait until the seedlings develop their first set of 3 true leaves before you transplant them into a larger container.
Read on for a detailed step-by-step guide on how to grow spinach in pots.
1. Choose your spinach seeds
The first step is to choose the type of spinach variety you want to grow. There are many varieties that you can choose from-the main thing is to look at a variety that will do well in your area. You can do this by buying your spinach seeds from local garden centers or local growers.
These garden centers and local seed growers are usually known to save the best quality seeds that are heirloom or open-pollinated seeds. (Tip: learn more about choosing and buying quality seeds from here and here.)
2. Pick good containers
Spinach is a vegetable that has a large extensive root system. So, find and pick a good and large container. The pot should be at least 6-16 inches deep. If you are planning to grow more than one spinach plant in one pot, make sure you use a pot with a wider radius.
Related: How To Grow Pumpkins Successfully: 9+ Questions And Answers
3. Use a quality potting mix
For growing spinach in pots, use a good potting mix that is enriched with organic matters. Use a well-drained, well-ventilated soil that is crumbly and loamy with a pH that is near neutral.
4. Add the potting mix in pots
If you have found the right potting soil for your spinach, add the soil to the pots. Fill the pots with the potting mix and press until you fill with the potting soil.
5. Soak your seeds
While you are preparing the pots, make sure you also soak the spinach seeds in water. This soaking of seeds is totally optional. But, it helps break dormancy and therefore speeds up the germination process. Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours prior to planting.
6. Sow your spinach seeds
Sow seeds 0.5-1 inch deep in the potting soil. If you are planning to plant in more than one hole in the same container, make sure you leave 3 inches of space between holes. Also, plant more than one seed at least 2-3 seeds per hole. If one seed fails to germinate the other seeds will germinate. Then, if they all sprout, you can thin the remaining and transplant them to another container.
7. Water the potting mix or soil
Water the seeds and potting soil gently with water. Do not overwater. Just keep the potting soil moist enough. This is because moisture is required for seed germination.
8. Place the pots in a good spot
Spinach loves partial shade. This is because growing spinach in full sun can bleach the leaf surface of spinach. For summer planting, place the pots in shade. And for fall planting or winter, place the pot in an area where there is at least 2-6 hours of direct sunlight.
9. Add organic compost or fertilizer
Before germination, which may take 3-7 days, add a small amount of organic compost or slow-releasing granular fertilizer in the pot. Then, when the seedlings grow, switch to liquid fertilizer. Fertilizing your spinach plants with a liquid fertilizer such as compost tea can help boost leaves, roots, and stems growth.
10. Take care of your spinach plants
Provide water to your spinach plants at regular intervals. Water at least once a day. As earlier said, do not flood your spinach plants and potting mix with water. This is because too much and frequent watering can make the potting mix become soggy, which will eventually attract pests and diseases.
Additionally, feed your spinach timely with organic manure such as chicken droplets and 10-10-10 to keep the spinach plants healthy growing. When the temperature rises up to about 80°F or more, move the plants to a shade. And likewise, if the temperature goes too low or very cold outside, move them to a place where it is warm. Spinach plants survive or grow well within the temperature range of 46-75°F.
Tip: learn more on how to take care of your garden
11. Watch for pests and diseases
Just like any other vegetables, spinach plants are not exceptional too. They have their own pests and diseases especially if things were not done the right way. Watch for any incidence and control it.
The healthy growth of spinach can seriously be affected by slugs, aphids, rodents, and leaf miners. Common diseases of spinach include Bligh spot of spinach. Watch for these pests and diseases and control them. If you used seeds from local growers, you do not need to worry about pests and diseases because they are adapted to these pests and diseases.
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12. Harvest your spinach
To harvest spinach, cut the leaves around the stem using scissors. Cut the outer leaves and then move toward the center of the spinach leaves. (Tip: Learn how to grow spinach from cuttings and seeds.)
Read also: Can You Grow Cucumbers From Cucumber? Here Is What You Need to Know
Related Questions
Can spinach be grown in containers?
Yes, spinach can be grown in pots. Growing spinach in containers helps you transfer your vegetables from one place to another favorable condition.
How long does it take to grow spinach?
When all the growing conditions are normal, spinach can take one month to 6 weeks to mature from planting.
Does spinach need full sun?
Spinach can grow in both full sun and partial shade. However, spinach is considered a cool-weather vegetable. The vegetables fall under green leafy vegetables such as celery and swiss chard. And these vegetables do not like long hours of direct sunlight because their leaves can be bleached by the sun.
What is the best way to grow spinach?
Spinach is best grown by seeds. As explained earlier, grow spinach seeds in well fertile and well-drained soil and in partial shade. Provide them the right care and maintenance.
Read also: How To Grow Carrots From Scraps And Seeds In 8 Easy Steps
Will spinach regrow after cutting?
Yes, spinach can regrow after cutting if you cut it at the right place and the area is not damaged. The leaves can regrow and harvest for up to two or more times if the weather is cool.
What is the best fertilizer for spinach?
Spinach can regrow well if fertilized with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Before planting spinach in either garden or pot. Mix in granular slow-releasing fertilizer such as 10-10-10 at about 2-3 pounds per 100 square feet.
Conclusion
In this article, I looked at how to grow spinach in pots. I hope you will find the article helpful. Let me know if you have questions.
