Abundant in amazing nutrients, including iron, vitamins A and C, folic acid, potassium, and thiamin, spinach is one of the healthiest green veggies in the world.
The good news is that we can always enrich our smoothies and stir-fries with fresh spinach by growing it in our own home in pots.
This fast-growing and cool-weather loving veggie is an awesome pick for filling up those windowsills-no matter if you live in an apartment or you have a house, you can grow your own spinach.
When to Plant Spinach?
The best time to plant spinach is in late winter or early spring to get yield in late summer and early fall. If you live in the subtropics and tropics, you can easily grow it throughout the entire year.
And, it can be grown successively as a bi-annual crop, except during the hottest months. In this period, the plant needs shade and proper watering to ensure a moist and cool temperature.
Which Are the Best Indoor Spinach Varieties?
Savory-Bloomsdale has thick leaves and can withstand cold well; however, make sure you clean its foliage regularly.
Semi-savory-awesome pick for indoor gardens. Tyee can be grown indoors throughout the whole year, as well as Indian summer, Teton, and Catalina.
Disease-resistant varieties- if you want to reduce the risk of your spinach catching disease opt for some of these varieties (Wolter, Nordic IV, Melody, and Olympia).
Best for containers- Baby’s Leaf Hybrid and Melody
Planting Your Spinach in Pots
Sow the seeds 1/2 -1-inches deep in the container. Expect the seeds to sprout within 5 to 14 days.
Opt for pots with a 10 to 12 inches size or grow them in window boxes.
Where to Place It?
Your spinach will do fine in 4 to 6 hours of sunlight; however, if you’re growing it in autumn, make sure you place it in a sunnier area.
In spring and summer, keep the containers in a slightly shaded area, especially during the afternoon sun.
Which Soil to Choose?
For spinach, you need a good quality soil and one that drains well. Choose one for indoor plants and abundant in organic matter. Its texture should be loamy and crumbly and the pH neutral.
When to Water Spinach?
Spinach will thrive in a soil that’s moist, but not soggy. Avoid overwatering it as it can trigger fungal diseases and rotting.
Don’t wet its foliage, but rather water directly into the soil.
Should I Fertilize my Indoor Spinach?
Yes. Make sure you choose a balanced liquid fertilizer. You can also add compost or fish emulsion in mid growth.
Nitrogen is also pivotal for indoor spinach.
The Best Part: Harvesting Your Spinach
Expect to be able to harvest your spinach 36 to 50 days after the germination-this depends on the type and the provided growing conditions.
When the plant has 3 to 4 inches long leaves, pick them.
Good to Know:
Always harvest the leaves on the outer side and not the inner ones. This will help the plant to continue growing. In spring, cut the whole plant from its base and it will regrow.
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