Propagation
Propagation is from seed.Planting Method
Direct sowing is used and thinning can take place to ensure the correct spacing. Mechanical planting is done as well to ensure correct spacing at planting. Seeds should be planted 20 mm deep. Seedlings can also be sown in seed trays and planted out when grown to ten centimeters.Spacing
Plants should be spaced ten to 20 cm apart in rows that are 30 cm apart. This equates to about 160 000+ plants per hectare. Commercial growers that harvest mechanically plant closer together at 15 cm by 25 cm giving the grower 250 000+ plants per hectare.Sowing Time
Although spinach can be sowed throughout the year as long as the climate is right, in South Africa there are two main sowing times that are used. From January to April where summer temperatures are not too high and the winters are not too cold and August to December before temperatures become too warm.Growth Period
Harvesting of the first outer leaves can begin at 60 to 70 days from planting. To ensure longer production periods and therefore higher yields Spinach needs Nitrogen in the soil throughout its growing period.Fertilization
Prior to planting when soil is being prepared, cleaned and composted an initial application of between 500 kg and 1000 kg of Nitrogen, Phosphates and Potassium like the mix 2:3:2 should be mixed into the top soil. Thereafter, 250 kg of LAN should be applied at five weeks and again eight weeks from planting. The use of chicken manure that is high in Nitrogen has also increased yields substantially.Irrigation
Irrigate just after planting and again just after germination. In the first month of the plant’s growth the soil must be checked every two days to make sure that there is no moisture stress in the soil.
At higher temperatures when soils are drying out faster, weekly or even twice weekly irrigation must be administered. In cooler areas irrigation can be stretched to 10 day intervals on heavier loam soils. Spinach has a relatively shallow root system and is sensitive to soil moisture stress. It is imperative to check soil moisture tension at least twice a week.
By Louise Brodie