What To Know
- Growing spinach in a greenhouse is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, nutritious leaves year-round.
- This comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks to grow spinach in a greenhouse, ensuring bountiful harvests and a continuous supply of this leafy green goodness.
- The first step in growing spinach in a greenhouse is selecting the right variety.
Growing spinach in a greenhouse is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, nutritious leaves year-round. With controlled conditions and protection from harsh weather, you can cultivate spinach successfully, regardless of your location or climate. This comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks to grow spinach in a greenhouse, ensuring bountiful harvests and a continuous supply of this leafy green goodness.
Choosing the Right Spinach Variety
The first step in growing spinach in a greenhouse is selecting the right variety. There are two main types of spinach: summer spinach and winter spinach.
- Summer spinach: This variety is best suited for growing in warmer months. It matures quickly and produces tender leaves. Popular summer spinach varieties include ‘Tyee,’ ‘Bloomsdale Long Standing,’ and ‘Melody.’
- Winter spinach: This variety is more cold-tolerant and can withstand cooler temperatures. It matures more slowly but produces larger leaves. Popular winter spinach varieties include ‘Giant Winter,’ ‘Long Standing Bloomsdale,’ and ‘America.’
Preparing the Greenhouse
Before you start planting spinach, it’s essential to prepare your greenhouse to create an optimal growing environment.
- Temperature: Spinach prefers temperatures between 55°F and 75°F (13°C to 24°C). If temperatures get too high, the plants will bolt (produce flowers and seeds) prematurely.
- Humidity: Spinach thrives in humid conditions. Aim for a relative humidity of around 60-70%.
- Light: Spinach requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If your greenhouse doesn’t get enough natural light, you may need to supplement with artificial lighting.
- Soil: Spinach grows best in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. You can use a commercial potting mix or create your own by mixing equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
Planting Spinach Seeds
Once you’ve prepared your greenhouse and chosen your spinach variety, it’s time to plant the seeds.
- Timing: You can plant spinach seeds in the spring or fall. For summer spinach, start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last spring frost. For winter spinach, start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the first fall frost.
- Spacing: Sow spinach seeds 1/2 inch deep and 2 inches apart. You can plant them in rows or broadcast them over the soil surface.
- Watering: Water the seeds gently after planting. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Growing and Caring for Spinach Plants
Once your spinach seeds have germinated, you’ll need to provide them with proper care to ensure healthy growth.
- Watering: Spinach plants need regular watering. Water them deeply once a week or more often if the weather is hot and dry.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize spinach plants every 2-3 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. You can use a commercial fertilizer or make your own by mixing equal parts fish emulsion, kelp meal, and alfalfa meal.
- Thinning: Once the spinach seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, you’ll need to thin them out. Space the plants 4-6 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
- Pest and Disease Control: Spinach plants are susceptible to various pests and diseases. Common pests include aphids, flea beetles, and cutworms. Common diseases include downy mildew, powdery mildew, and root rot. Monitor your plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate action to control them.
Harvesting Spinach
Spinach is ready to harvest when the leaves are fully developed and have a deep green color. You can harvest spinach by cutting the leaves off at the base of the plant. Be careful not to damage the roots so that the plant can continue to produce new leaves.
Storing Spinach
Fresh spinach can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also blanch and freeze spinach for longer storage. To blanch spinach, boil it for 1-2 minutes, then immediately transfer it to ice water to stop the cooking process. Once the spinach is cool, drain it well and freeze it in airtight containers.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
If you’re having trouble growing spinach in your greenhouse, here are some common problems and solutions:
- Leaves are turning yellow: This could be a sign of nutrient deficiency. Fertilize your plants with a balanced fertilizer.
- Leaves are wilting: This could be a sign of underwatering. Water your plants more frequently.
- Plants are bolting: This could be a sign of high temperatures or too much fertilizer. Reduce the temperature in your greenhouse and/or reduce the amount of fertilizer you’re using.
- Plants are infested with pests: Use organic pesticides or neem oil to control pests.
- Plants are diseased: Remove diseased plants from your greenhouse and treat the remaining plants with a fungicide.
Recommendations: A Year-Round Supply of Fresh Spinach
Growing spinach in a greenhouse is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy fresh, nutritious leaves year-round. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully cultivate spinach in your greenhouse, regardless of your location or climate. With a little care and attention, you’ll be harvesting bountiful crops of spinach in no time!
What You Need to Know
- Q: Can I grow spinach in a greenhouse during the summer?
A: Yes, you can grow spinach in a greenhouse during the summer. Choose a summer spinach variety and provide adequate ventilation to prevent the temperature from getting too high.
- Q: How often should I water spinach plants?
A: Water spinach plants deeply once a week or more often if the weather is hot and dry. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- Q: What is the best fertilizer for spinach plants?
A: Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 fertilizer, every 2-3 weeks to fertilize spinach plants. You can also use organic fertilizers, such as fish emulsion or compost tea.
- Q: How can I prevent spinach plants from bolting?
A: To prevent spinach plants from bolting, keep the temperature in your greenhouse below 75°F (24°C) and avoid over-fertilizing.
- Q: How do I harvest spinach?
A: Harvest spinach by cutting the leaves off at the base of the plant. Be careful not to damage the roots so that the plant can continue to produce new leaves.
