A Detailed Guide to the Key Points of Large-Leaf Spinach Cultivation
Large-leaf spinach is a nutrient-rich leafy vegetable. Because large-leaf spinach has a very short growing cycle and is easy to manage, it can produce a high yield as long as it is managed properly, so it is deeply favored by growers. In addition, large-leaf spinach can also be quick-frozen before being sold on the market, so it has a certain economic value. So what are the key points of large-leaf spinach cultivation methods?
1. Choosing the sowing time
Sowing large-leaf spinach also has temperature requirements. Generally, it is suitable to sow in the weather of September to October. If large-leaf spinach is sown during this period, the germination rate is higher.
2. Choosing the soil
Growing large-leaf spinach has relatively high soil requirements. Try to choose sandy soil with good drainage, strong air permeability and relatively high fertility. In particular, it is relatively suitable if the previous round of cultivation was fruit-bearing vegetables such as corn, soybeans, watermelon or winter melon.
3. Land preparation and applying base fertilizer
Before planting large-leaf spinach, first clean up the residues from the previous crop, as this is more conducive to sowing. After cleaning up, apply enough base fertilizer; a mixture of human and livestock manure, compound fertilizer, etc. is acceptable. Then use a rake to level the soil.
4. Sowing method
Because the seed shell of large-leaf spinach is relatively hard and absorbs water with difficulty, sufficient bottom water should be given before sowing. If the weather is a bit early at sowing time, irrigate in advance, then leave it for a day or two before sowing. After opening the furrows, pour enough water into the sowing furrows.
5. Water and fertilizer
Large-leaf spinach is a vegetable that likes fertile, moist and cool conditions, so do not let it remain dry or waterlogged for a long time. Large-leaf spinach has a relatively short growing cycle and also has a relatively large demand for water, so water and fertilizer must be supplied in sufficient amounts in a timely manner. From sowing large-leaf spinach to the emergence of full seedlings, keep the soil moist to ensure full seedling emergence. When large-leaf spinach has three true leaves, carry out intertillage and weeding to prevent weeds from competing with it for nutrients. When six or seven true leaves appear, use water with fertilizer to promote the growth of the spinach; a certain amount of urea can be applied per mu.
If fertilizer is applied dry, then water afterward; if it happens to rain, then fertilize in a timely manner. If there is a long rainy period, then promptly drain off excess water to avoid waterlogging and root rot.
6. Pest and disease control
Large-leaf spinach is also relatively susceptible to pests and diseases. Especially when attacked by aphids, they not only cause certain damage themselves but also spread certain viral diseases, so controlling aphids is very critical. In addition, it is also prone to harm such as downy mildew. The symptoms of different pests and diseases are also somewhat different. Growers should observe more often in normal times and achieve early detection and early treatment.