To plant spinach seeds outside, loosen the soil, sow the seeds ½ inch deep and 2 inches apart, in rows 12 to 18 inches apart, and keep the soil moist. Here's a more detailed guide:
Preparing the Soil
- Loosen the soil: Spinach needs room for its taproot to grow. Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 to 18 inches.
- Amend the soil: Add compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
- Choose a sunny location: Spinach grows best in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates.
Sowing the Seeds
- Timing: Plant spinach in early spring or early fall, when the weather is cool. In warmer climates, plant in the winter.
- Depth and Spacing: Sow the seeds ½ inch deep and 2 inches apart.
- Row spacing: Space rows 12 to 18 inches apart.
Watering and Care
- Keep the soil moist: Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Thin seedlings: Once the seedlings emerge, thin them to 4-6 inches apart. This will give them enough room to grow.
- Weed regularly: Keep the area around the spinach plants free of weeds.
- Fertilize: Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks.
Intensive Planting (Square Foot Gardening)
- If you're using square foot gardening, plant 9 seeds per square foot.
Summary
To successfully plant spinach seeds outside, proper soil preparation, timing, and watering are crucial. Remember to keep the soil moist and thin seedlings as they grow. Following these guidelines will help you enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh spinach.
