Spinach Balcony Growing Methods and Techniques Tutorial
Spinach is divided into two types: pointed-leaf and round-leaf. Among them, pointed-leaf spinach is also called Chinese spinach or winter spinach. It has a relatively good taste, relatively strong cold tolerance, and slightly weaker heat tolerance. It is suitable for autumn and winter cultivation. Its fruit has ribbed spines. It is a common home-grown vegetable. Below, the editor will introduce the balcony growing methods for spinach!
Growing Season
Spinach is generally sown from September to October (it can be sown in all four seasons, but the quality of autumn and winter cultivation is better. For winter cultivation in the north, attention must be paid to keeping warm.
Seedling Raising Methods
Spinach has underdeveloped lateral roots and does not tolerate transplanting, so it is usually direct-sown. Seeds can generally be stored for 3 to 5 years, and seeds 1 to 2 years old have relatively strong germination capacity. They can germinate above 4°C. The suitable germination temperature is 15 to 20°C. Above 35°C, the germination rate decreases. Dry seeds germinate relatively slowly.
1. Soak the seeds in a 0.1% potassium permanganate solution for about 15 minutes, then soak them in water at about 25°C for 10 to 12 hours. After removing them, dry them in a cool place until the seed surface is slightly dry, then sow. In high temperatures, germination can be promoted after soaking, that is, wrap them in a wet cloth (or paper towel) and keep them at about 15 to 20°C. Sow after most seeds have sprouted.
2. After watering the potting soil thoroughly, scatter the seeds on the soil surface, cover with about 1 to 2 cm of soil, and press lightly. They sprout in about 1 week. If the surface soil dries before germination, water by spraying. Seedlings grow relatively slowly, and growth begins to speed up after 2 true leaves. Generally water once every 4 days, keeping the soil moist.
3. If the seedling density is relatively high, thin once at 3 to 4 true leaves. If the seedlings are growing weakly, spray once with diluted decomposed organic fertilizer.
Daily Management
1. From the 4 to 5 true leaf stage onward, leaf growth is vigorous. According to the growth conditions, spray decomposed organic fertilizer (a complete fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is needed, among which potassium and nitrogen fertilizers are needed more) to promote growth.
2. It does not tolerate waterlogging. During the growing period it needs sufficient water and avoids drought. Generally water once every 1 to 2 days. In high temperatures, water in the morning and evening as needed, preferably keeping the soil moist.
3. Thin at 4 to 5 true leaves. Usually pull out the larger seedlings and let the smaller seedlings continue to grow. After harvesting, apply decomposed organic fertilizer once. Note that thin fertilizer should be applied in the early growth stage and when the temperature is high. In the late growth stage and when the temperature is relatively low, the concentration can be appropriately increased.
4. It does not tolerate high temperatures and has very strong cold tolerance. The suitable growing temperature is 15 to 25°C. It can still grow above 0°C, but grows slowly. Spinach seedlings with 4 to 6 true leaves have the strongest cold tolerance. They can overwinter safely in the open field at about -10°C, and can endure short-term low temperatures of 40 to -30°C.
5. It likes sufficient light but does not tolerate exposure to strong sun, so attention must be paid to shading. When the daily light period exceeds 12 hours, it tends to flower. The growing period is short, and there are relatively few pests and diseases.
Harvesting Methods
When spinach grows 4 to 5 true leaves, the plants can begin to be harvested for eating. The height should not exceed 30 cm.
Pest and Disease Control
1. Aphids: spray with 40% dimethoate 1000x solution, or 50% pirimicarb 2000-3000x solution.
2. Leafminers: spray with 50% phoxim emulsifiable concentrate 1000x solution, or 80% trichlorfon powder 1000x solution.
3. Downy mildew: spray with 58% Ridomil 500x solution, or 75% chlorothalonil 600x solution.
4. Anthracnose: spray with 50% thiophanate-methyl 500x solution, or 50% carbendazim 700x solution for control.