Key Points of Autumn Spinach Planting Techniques and a Detailed Explanation of Management Methods
Spinach is a commonly grown vegetable in China. It can be planted all year round, and according to its different planting times it can be divided into four types: spring, summer, autumn and winter, while autumn spinach refers to the type sown from August to November for market. Now that autumn has arrived, it is a good time to plant autumn spinach. Let's take a look together at autumn spinach planting techniques below.
1. Seed treatment
Planting is generally done in August, when the temperature is still relatively high, which has a certain effect on the germination of spinach seeds, especially in early August, when the temperature is generally above 25°C, so before sowing the seeds must be soaked to promote germination, speeding up emergence, shortening the growth cycle and increasing yield. For germination promotion, the simplest method of soaking seeds in clean water can be chosen. First wash the seeds clean, then place them in clean water and soak for 3-5 days. When the seeds sprout tender shoots, they can be sown. During this period, note that if the clean water becomes cloudy, it should be changed promptly.
2. Sowing at the right time
Spinach is generally direct-sown, mostly by broadcasting. The sowing time can be in late July or early October, sown in batches. Before sowing, first water the soil thoroughly, evenly scatter the seeds on the ground, then lightly rake the surface soil to cover the seeds. Then use straw or build a shed to shade light and retain moisture, and keep the soil moist, which helps speed up emergence; about one week is enough for full emergence. The sowing rate should be determined according to climate changes. In the early period of high temperature, drought and frequent rain, seedlings are prone to dying, so the sowing rate is relatively large, generally requiring about 6 kg of seed per mu, while in the later period, as the temperature drops, the sowing rate can be reduced, using about 3.5 kg of seed per mu.
3. Field management
During the seedling growth period of autumn spinach, both temperature and low temperature are relatively high, so it is necessary to water frequently to keep the soil moist and also to lower the soil temperature, providing a suitable growing environment for the seedlings. In the early growth stage, autumn spinach is in a period of dry climate, so at this time fertilizer and water management should be strengthened. When true leaves grow, a thin manure water can be applied once, and afterward, as the temperature drops, gradually increase the fertilizer concentration. However, this method is only suitable for application when the soil is dry and the climate is dry, so as to avoid excessive humidity causing disease. When the seedlings grow 2-3 true leaves, combine thinning with loosening the soil and weeding, and topdress in time. For topdressing, organic fertilizer should be applied in the early stage, while in the later stage quick-acting chemical fertilizer should be applied to increase yield and improve quality.
4. Harvesting
Autumn spinach has a relatively short growth cycle and can be harvested 30-60 days after sowing. Harvesting should be determined according to growth conditions and market demand. Generally, when the plants grow to 10 cm, they can be harvested in batches. When harvesting, priority should be given to harvesting those that are too densely grown or about to bolt. During harvesting, remove diseased and withered yellow leaves, tie them into bundles of half a jin or one jin, and they can be sold on the market.
The above are autumn spinach planting techniques. I hope they can help you. If you want to learn more about vegetable planting knowledge, please follow us.