How to make spinach sprout easily when planting
Spinach is a vegetable that is simple to grow, and many people choose to plant it, and can even grow it in pots at home as a backup. However, getting spinach seeds to sprout has always been a difficult problem to solve, and many people find that the germination rate of the spinach seeds they plant is extremely low. Below, let's look at which aspects to address to make spinach sprout more easily.
1. Seed treatment
First, the seeds need to be selected. Newly harvested seeds have a period of dormancy, during which the germination rate is relatively low, so older seeds can be used. For seeds that have turned black, are damaged, or are shriveled and bad, it is best to remove them promptly, as these are basically unqualified. Then rub the seeds properly for a while; for lighter ones, repeat several times. After that, place them in the sunlight to dry for a while, using the sunlight to sterilize them, and then prepare to wake the seeds.
2. Waking the seeds
Once the seeds have been treated as above, it is time to start waking them, which determines the subsequent sprouting rate, so it needs to be done carefully. First, soak the seeds in water for about 10-12 hours, then place them in a cool, shaded place and observe the seeds' shell cracking; this observation period is about 3-7 days. During this time, the seeds need to be kept moist, so water them regularly. If the water evaporates too quickly, it is best to add some covering material on top of the seeds to keep them moist.
3. Temperature control
Once the seeds show signs of cracking, put them into the soil to let them take root and sprout. At this point, the most important thing is temperature control. To make spinach sprout easily, keep the temperature within the range suitable for spinach growth. The most suitable temperature for spinach seeds just placed in the soil is around 20-22°C, with a maximum of no more than 25°C and a minimum of no less than 15°C; at this temperature stage, they sprout most easily. In summer, choose a cooler place for raising the seedlings; in winter, choose a place that is warm and free of wind.
4. Water control
Temperature affects the speed of sprouting, while water directly affects whether spinach sprouts. During the seedling-raising period, spinach needs more watering. At this time, watering requires controlling the amount, because spinach seeds have just sprouted and their root systems are not well developed, and too much water can easily cause the seedlings to die. When watering, just soak through the top 2-3 cm or so; there must be no water accumulating at the bottom, and the whole soil should feel somewhat moist to the touch. This level of moisture is most likely to make spinach sprout.
The above are the methods for making spinach sprout more easily when planting. Many people overlook these factors when planting, or do not pay much attention to them, which leads to a very low sprouting rate in the spinach they grow.