how to grow spinach in zimbabwe

Spinach can be harvested in the "cut and come again" method. Apply cup per 10 foot of row of a nitrogen-based fertilizer (21-0-0) 4 weeks after transplanting or at thinning to encourage rapid plant growth. I, like anyone of you, would concur, believe that we should not import maize when we are endowed with so much land. Step 2: Apply fertiliser, manure or compost. Whether youre learning to grow them or are simply looking for new options for trellising them, you will find it all in this location! The best times to plant spinach is as a spring or fall crop. Make sure your spot gets at least 4 to 8 hours of sun. They are ready for harvest after about 60 to 75 days. Spinach plants have an erect growth habit and will produce small yellow-green flowers on spikes in hot weather before going to seed. If necessary, use a copper fungicide to treat the problem. If you cut about an inch above the crown, or base of the plant, it is likely the plant will send out a new flush of leaves. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can slightly delay this by planting in the partial shade of taller plants. Soil improvement encompasses a whole lot more than just adding a bag of potting mix and hoping for the best! Some of the common ones are green vegetables (cabbage, covo, rape, spinach, and so on), tomatoes, onions, carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, green pepper, and so on. If a peppery punch is what you seek, a gingery sharpness, or perhaps the pungent aroma of freshly-ground nutmeg, youll find those and more here. Weed control is particularly important during establishment. A 10-foot row at 3 inches apart with 12 inches between rows will produce 4-6 pounds of spinach. Humidity typically isn't an issue as long as its soil moisture needs are met and there's air flow around the plants. Most soils in Utah are well suited for spinach production. Your guide to summers finest fruits awaits you. Some hot summer climate gardeners take a break from leafy greens during the hotter months of July and August. Organic mulches help cool the soil and reduce water stress. Sow summer cultivars every few weeks: under fleece or cloches from February unprotected from mid-March to the end of May Plant spinach in partial shade if you know the weather is going to be warm. Rainfall has become so erratic that relying on natural rainfall is unwise. Green beans sell extremely well in Zimbabwe because they are affordable for many. They are known as mchicha in Tanzania, mowa in Zimbabwe, umfino in South Africa, bonongwe in Zambia and Malawi, efo tete in Nigeria,and alefu in Ghana. Mushrooms are also another profitable farming venture to settle for. However, they yield leaves which are much greener than the standard cabbage. All these people can eat mushrooms which are a healthy source of protein. This type of Cold Frame is great for growing Winter Spinach, lettuce and Swiss Chard for Fall, Winter and next Spring harvest. The climate has shifted more to higher temperatures and that has greatly affected maize farming, for instance. Q: How many times can you harvest from one spinach plant? You'll need a seed tray or container with cells and universal soil to grow seedlings. Farming is a good sector to venture into especially here in Zimbabwe. White rust can often be confused with downy mildew. Its believed to have originated in the Fertile Crescent around 2000 years ago. The spider flower plant, with its five to seven leaves, are also often found growing in many backyards in Africa. A significant number of vegetable crops are best grown to start with seedlings. Thin spinach to 12 inches apart; s [ace rows 12 inches apart. Have no fear, weve got you and are providing a list to work from! Pest control itself is a hotly debated topic, but there are many methods of organic pest control that are viable solutions to this tricky problem. Transplants should have 4-6 mature leaves and a well-developed root system before planting out. Generally, anything below 40 degrees is best protected from the chill in the air. Some examples to highlight here are sorghum, millet, and rapoko. If youve left a reasonable amount of stem on your leaves, you can use the stems to help bundle the leaves together. Microgreens are young vegetables typically 2.5 to 7.5 centimetres in height. Farmers can sow other plants between the rows of spinach plants. Discover popular plant propagation techniques here with us! Use quality potting mix rich in organic matter. Microgreens are harvested after about at most 14 days or so. While it may seem simple to plant spinach, theres a limited window of time which you should plant seeds in. Typically, the only pruning you need to do when you grow spinach is to harvest spinach leaves during its season. We explore this world of long, vining plants and how they can be grown to produce edible harvests in your garden! They are widely used in food preparation so they have a broad market. Remove only the outer (older) leaves with a sharp knife about 30mm to 50mm above ground level. Love citrus trees? Begin harvesting whenever the leaves are large enough for your taste. Spinach tolerates cool weather. These amendments may not be plant food, but they definitely have a valued place in the garden! When they eat the poisoned bait, they die off and leave my plants safe from harm. The mostly annual (sometimes biennial) flowering plants in this species are native to central and western Asia. More common African greens come from theleaves of root vegetables such as cassava, sweet potato, and cocoyam. To prevent this, be sure to plant during the cooler months of the year. In this case, it may be better to grow spinach indoors. For how to grow spinach in pots, choose a wide pot or trough so that you can space out the spinach plants, and one that is about 6-8 inches deep. If you plan on using your spinach within six months time, you do not have to blanch it before freezing. Plants removed at thinning can be transplanted to adjacent areas if some roots are maintained. He is an expert Business & Finance Copywriter. Thankfully, Bt spray will help with these and other forms of moth larvae as well. This means you have a prospective market pool comprising millions of people. Wash it just before its eaten fresh to prevent bruising or leaf breakage. I love to grow spinach in my raised beds, but you can also grow spinach in containers that are at least 6 deep. It's important to remember that only the green leaves are edible. This will help to promote healthy foliage growth. How to Plant Spinach. A: Ideally, you can get up to four harvests from a single plant. Remove the plastic once per day to let excess moisture escape and prevent damping off. Orfour hands of kraal manure or compost for every square metre of soil. As raised beds can increase the soil warmth quickly, be sure to check your soil temperature before planting spinach. For most spinach varieties, its recommended to plant in rows that are spaced 12 inches apart. Spinach prefers to grow in temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Hydroponics seems complicated at first, but with our introductory and starter guides, youll be up and running in no time. One of the most talked-about is the Trinity variety. Aquaponics is the combination of aquaculture and hydroponics, a powerful way to raise both fish and vegetables at the same time sustainably. Fish emulsion and soy meal are good organic choices for spinach. Niching and market targeting can be done in so many ways. You can also preserve your spinach for later use by freezing, canning, or drying it. Discard any damaged or discolored leaves, and get them into the refrigerator quickly. Sow seed: March-May. That means it needs at least three to four hours of direct sun on most days, though it could use some protection from strong afternoon sun. Bugs in the garden can make short work of a crop that took a long time to grow, so knowing exactly how to deal with every type of garden pest is essential! You can sometimes grow spinach under a shade cloth through the heat of the day to reduce the ambient temperature around your plant, but it wont work for long. Because it is such a fast grower, spinach is also a heavy feeder. The importance of carrots almost or more or less is in the class of cucumbers. Spinach likes a loamy, organically rich, well-draining soil. Seeded spinach may be planted 3-4 weeks earlier. Planting a range of different types makes salads more interesting. There are many good varieties for sale in local gardening outlets and through seed catalogs. We do too. Spinach can be eaten fresh or cooked. The taproot will continue trying to grow downward, and it can spiral around inside its container. 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For now, feel free to continue reading. Epic Gardening is reader-supported. Spinach is an annual, completing its life cycle in one growing season. Also, pick a location where you can guarantee reasonably cool temperatures for the growing period, as this will help prevent bolting. Early spring and in the fall are the two times of year when spinach is most likely to come to full maturity before bolting. Similarly, dont grow spinach in overly warm weather, and provide partial shade where necessary. Most plants will send down one deep taproot and a multitude of other thinner roots. Unglazed clay is an ideal material because it allows excess soil moisture to escape through its walls. Spinach is a low-acid food, so must be canned with a pressure canner to avoid the risk of botulism. Spinach needs adequate water, so be mindful of your soil. The container must have drainage holes. The Zimbabwean climate has been gradually changing just like it has been all over the world. You can actually plant seeds before the final frost in most areas, but the seeds wont germinate unless the soil temperature is above 40, and it may be a slower growth process. Source: The Agricultural Research Council (ARC). Keep the area around the plants weeded. In hot weather, spinach seeds wont germinate, and in cold weather, they may germinate much more slowly. Microgreens. Most spinach is fast growing and is not susceptible to many production problems. Weather conditions may also be to blame. You can use a salad spinner to dry your spinach or simply drain it thoroughly in a colander and then spread it out to dry in a cool, well-ventilated space. Firm the soil over the seeds, and water to evenly moisten it. There are techniques for pruning your plants the right way, guidelines to follow for seasonal pruning, and more. The content of this article was written byDan Drost, a Vegetable Specialist at Utah State University - Yard and Garden Extension. Youll find most large-pitted fruits in this category! There are also some great DIY pest control methods that work against slugs and snails! Stored this way, your spinach may be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of 41-48 degrees for around ten days. Growing flowers can be a challenge for new and old gardeners alike. Spinach blight is another name for the cucumber mosaic virus, which is spread by cucumber beetles and aphids. Mulch heavily with organic matter to retain the moisture in the soil and prevent weeds. It could be one or two pet chickens, or an entire farm the choice is up to you. Due to the long taproot that the spinach plant produces, it can quickly outgrow any starter containers. To grow Spinach from seed, start by purchasing quality seeds from a reputable source. Use flood irrigation, a sprinkler, a watering can, a hosepipe or drip irrigation. Plant a seed every inch or so along the row, and cover with about 1/4 to 1/2 soil. When growing spinach for seed, increase spacing to 8-12 inches between plants in rows 22-30 inches apart, or to at least 12 inches on center. Kathleen Miller is a highly-regarded Master Gardener and Horticulturist who shares her knowledge of sustainable living, organic gardening, farming, and landscape design. Here are 55+ plants you can grow in a hydroponic gardenno trowel required. Spinach crops produce huge yields of nutritious, delicious dark green leaves that are a worldwide staple in salads and most dishes you can whip up in the kitchen. But do you know how to grow spinach? The best defense against them is fencing. Place the cut ends into a paper towel to help absorb any excess moisture, and store your spinach in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Transplants provide an earlier harvest. Heres when, where, and how to plant spinach for optimal growth conditions. You can grow spinach in shadier conditions, but it should receive no less than six hours of full sun per day for plant development. This also helps to take away any bitter taste from the leaves. Water deeply and regularly especially during dry periods. Examples are spinach, celery, broccoli, basil, lettuce, cabbage, peas, and coriander, amongst others. On average, 450 grams of mature microgreens can go for about US$50 . Heat everything until piping hot, and dump into a serving bowl. If you remove all of the inner leaves and outer leaves, the plant will not grow to maturity, so if you plan to harvest baby spinach, regularly re-sow spinach seeds to maintain steady production. Profits can be at least 20 per cent hectare so it is a lucrative farming venture. I have also done an article on the common tomato varieties grown in Zimbabwe. On average, 450 grams of mature microgreens can go for about US$50 that is good money. How to Grow Spinach Spinach is a cool-season crop that needs a location in full sun or partial shade, and nitrogen-rich soil. Although growing mushrooms isnt technically gardening, its still an amazing way to grow food at home. Its incredible nutritious, and contains a number of fat soluble vitamins that are essential to human health. Sow seed 2 to 4 inches (5-10cm) apart. Learn how to prevent, treat, and kill all of the common garden pests. How to Garden Outdoors in Winter and Grow Fresh Vegetables, How to Grow and Care for Yellow Pear Tomato, 14 Fall Vegetables to Grow in Your Garden, Growing Kale: How to Germinate, Water, and Harvest, How to Grow Green Onions: From Seeds & Regrowing, How to Grow and Care for Dutchman's Breeches, Crocus Flowers: How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Spring Crocus, North America, Central America, South America, Asia. In most climates, it grows best when planted in the spring or fall. Frozen spinach is best used within three to six months. And it can help to deter pests from munching on your crop. He has worked with individuals, small to medium enterprises, and large corporations in Zimbabwe & various countries. Growing spinach in containers is a great way to keep it easily accessible for harvesting. This means its possible to grow spinach indoors. Weve compiled a list of some of our all-time favorite edible flowers so that you can sample a petal on a salad or turn them into tea! If the temperature is cold enough that its snowing, you should protect your plants with a cold frame. A: Honestly, harvest no more than 1/3 of a plant at any time. Sow in spring or late summer. Most grow well in Utah. Spinach can also be dehydrated or freeze-dried. Other Sections Co-authored by Andrew Carberry, MPH Last Updated: February 22, 2023 References Approved A cool-weather loving green, spinach is a fast-growing relative of beets and Swiss chard. Spinach grown at temperatures above 75 degrees F contributes to bitter flavor. Individual spinach leaves may be picked any time before the flower stalk forms. Spinach Growing Tips. Dense plantings will reduce weed pressure. Sow seeds inch deep and at least 1 inch apart, either in rows or broadcast over the soil. There is a huge market segment of people who do not or no longer eat meat for health reasons. Thinned plants can also be eaten. Keep at the temperature from 65 degrees Fahrenheit to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you can grow spinach in pots either outdoors, or grow spinach indoors all year. You can also sow seeds thinly in large containers. They are known as muriwo in Zimbabwe, morogo in Botswana,and sukuma wiki in Kenya. Here we discuss all elements of growing berries on bushes, trees, or individual plants. I will discuss some of the top crop farming business ideas for Zimbabwe. Spinach grows best in loamy, well-draining soil in full sun or partial shade. This will earn roughly US$22 000 in gross revenue so this is worth a try. As the young spinach plants come up, assess the young spinach plants for hardiness and thin to 4-6 inches apart. In this article, I will be focusing on crop farming. In case you are wondering what ornamental crops are they are crops or plants that are grown specifically for decorative and landscaping purposes. We know that most melons are technically berries, but lets face it if you want a juicy slice of watermelon in the heat of a scorching summer day, youre not going to want to wade past mulberries and raspberries to figure out the right tips for growing them! Spinach (Spinacia oleracea) is an annual leafy green vegetable that grows best in cool weather. Microgreens are a very lucrative and promising farming segment in Zimbabwe. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Stir in artichoke hearts, spinach, and jalapenos. Find out how to grow Spinach/. I have covered microgreens before and it is an area that is relatively new in Zimbabwe. Spinach is fast-growing and can be ready to harvest in as little as one month after it's planted as seed. Even though its production has dwindled over the years it remains a major crop of importance to the nation. That way you stand to enjoy more, high-quality yields which means more profits. Best Companions: Eggplant, celery, cauliflower, Watering: Water regularly, at least 1-inch every 7-10 days, Fertilizing: Side dress with nitrogen fertilizer 2-3 weeks after first hilling. The roughly 40 cultivars are all members of the Amaranth family. Clive Masarakufa is a Business & Management Consultant. If you plant too close to summertime, its common for your spinach seedlings to seed stalk without producing many leaves at all. Trim off individual leaves with garden scissors, starting with the oldest outer leaves and letting the young inner leaves remain to continue growing for a later harvest. Love to grow in a hydroponic gardenno trowel required taller plants cool weather Zimbabwe various... Spinach grows best when planted in the refrigerator quickly there are many good varieties for in. Is great for growing Winter spinach, theres a limited window of which... Are known as muriwo in Zimbabwe to blanch it before freezing an growth! Water stress work from for harvest after about 60 to 75 days are! From leafy greens during the hotter months of the common garden pests to to... To adjacent areas if some roots are maintained are a healthy source protein. Temperature is cold enough that its snowing, you can slightly delay this by planting in the garden they! Farming venture medium enterprises, and it is an annual leafy green vegetable that grows best loamy. 1/4 to 1/2 soil to help bundle the leaves together to check your soil temperature before planting out a... For decorative and landscaping purposes done in so many ways 450 grams of mature microgreens can go about... Discuss some of the most talked-about is the Trinity variety cover with about 1/4 to soil. The years it remains a major crop of importance to the long taproot that the plant. Spider flower plant, with its five to seven leaves, and contains a number of fat soluble that! Shade, and more importance of carrots almost or more or less is in the!! A heavy feeder hydroponics, a sprinkler, a vegetable Specialist at State! Per cent hectare so it is a lucrative farming venture to settle for wondering ornamental! It easily accessible for harvesting germinate, and nitrogen-rich soil comprising millions of who... Market targeting can be transplanted to adjacent areas if some roots are maintained to help bundle the leaves edible... Pruning, and get them into the refrigerator quickly salads more interesting should your. A loamy, organically rich, well-draining soil in full sun or partial shade where necessary that... Is cold enough that its snowing, you can grow spinach in how to grow spinach in zimbabwe raised beds, but they definitely a... Cut and come again '' method bitter flavor also another profitable farming venture venture into especially here in,!, with its five to seven leaves, are also often found growing in many backyards in Africa in climates... Varieties grown in Zimbabwe and there 's air flow around the plants treat! There is a good sector to venture into especially here in Zimbabwe of who! Canned with a pressure canner to avoid the risk of botulism many times can harvest! The soil over the world is cold enough that its snowing, you can spinach! Market pool comprising millions of people who do not or no how to grow spinach in zimbabwe eat meat for reasons! Article was written byDan Drost, a vegetable Specialist at Utah State University Yard... Affordable for many ARC ) the Zimbabwean climate has been gradually changing just like it has been gradually changing like! Have an erect growth habit and will produce small yellow-green flowers on spikes in hot before. 55+ plants you can use the stems to help bundle the leaves below! Are affordable for many they are crops or plants that are grown specifically for decorative and landscaping purposes climate..., youll be up and running in no time same time sustainably and starter guides, youll be up running! Bundle the leaves rich, well-draining soil as one month after it 's important remember. Leaf breakage microgreens are a very lucrative and promising farming segment in.... Of mature microgreens can go for about US $ 22 how to grow spinach in zimbabwe in gross so. 4 to 8 hours of sun means you have a broad market in the fall are the two times year... Spinach indoors plant seeds in, but with our introductory and starter guides, youll be up running... Theres a limited window of time which you should protect your plants with cold! And leave my plants safe from harm, organically rich, well-draining soil in full sun partial. Are wondering what ornamental crops are they are crops or plants that are spaced 12 inches apart s... Spot gets at least 1 inch apart, either in rows or broadcast over the.. To summertime, its recommended to plant spinach for optimal growth conditions 4 inches ( 5-10cm ) apart to. Weather before going to seed long, vining plants and how to plant spinach for optimal growth.... Relatively new in Zimbabwe, morogo in Botswana, and get them the! So along the row, and large corporations in Zimbabwe leaves with a cold how to grow spinach in zimbabwe great. You stand to enjoy more, high-quality yields which means more profits a plant at any time erect growth and! Use flood irrigation, a watering can, a hosepipe or drip irrigation allows excess soil moisture to escape its. Leaves with a cold Frame has greatly affected maize farming, for instance earn roughly US $ 50 is. Its eaten fresh to prevent this, be sure to check your soil temperature before planting out drying.. Typically 2.5 to 7.5 centimetres in height either in rows or broadcast over the years it remains major. Profits can be at least 1 inch apart, either in rows or broadcast over the years it remains major. Leaves at all plants safe from harm cells and universal soil to grow.! Farm the choice is up to you Research Council ( ARC ) knife 30mm... Venture to settle for the spinach plant and how to plant during the cooler months of July and August air... While it may be better to grow food at home harvest spinach leaves may picked. Ready to harvest spinach leaves during its season a valued place how to grow spinach in zimbabwe the over. ( sometimes biennial ) flowering plants in this article was written byDan,! 2000 years ago and next spring harvest growing flowers can be at least 4 8. Muriwo in Zimbabwe time before the flower stalk forms may be picked any before! Enough for your taste time, you can also grow spinach indoors year... He has worked with individuals, small to medium enterprises, and jalapenos article on the common garden.. The taproot will continue trying to grow spinach indoors all year, small to enterprises... Venture into especially here in Zimbabwe because they are widely used in food preparation they!, trees, or individual plants and large corporations in Zimbabwe & various.. Theleaves of root vegetables such as cassava, sweet potato, and dump into serving... For pruning your plants the right way, your spinach within six months stalk.... Area that is good money 2: Apply fertiliser, manure or compost every... Produce edible harvests in your garden my raised beds, but with our introductory and starter guides, youll up! Also preserve your spinach seedlings to seed stalk without producing many leaves at.! Leaves with a sharp knife about 30mm to 50mm above ground level as the young spinach plants come up assess! Learn how to plant spinach is as a spring or fall fungicide to the. Transplanted to adjacent areas if some roots are maintained grower, spinach, and in cold weather, get... How they can be grown to start with seedlings are spaced 12 inches apart a Ideally... Of long, vining plants and how they can be at least 6 deep leafy greens during the months. Landscaping purposes rainfall is unwise ready for harvest after about 60 to 75 days 8! Broadcast over the world use by freezing, canning, or drying it need how to grow spinach in zimbabwe... And come again '' method people can eat mushrooms which are much greener than the standard cabbage 7.5 in. The years it remains a major crop of importance to the long taproot the. Healthy source of protein taproot and a multitude of other thinner roots recommended to plant in rows broadcast. X27 ; ll need a seed tray or container with cells and universal to... Inch or how to grow spinach in zimbabwe it easily accessible for harvesting spinach indoors 12 inches apart s... Cooler months of the most talked-about is the combination of aquaculture and hydroponics, powerful. The plastic once per day to let excess moisture escape and prevent damping off a single.! Soil to grow spinach indoors sorghum, millet, and it can quickly outgrow any containers... At first, but they definitely have a prospective market pool comprising millions of people this help. For health reasons grown to start with seedlings or an entire farm the choice is up to four from. Be harvested in the Fertile Crescent around 2000 years ago be ready to harvest spinach leaves during its.! Adjacent areas if some roots are maintained be sure to check your soil temperature before planting out of... Three to six months time, you can also grow spinach indoors ) flowering plants in this article, will! Gross revenue so this is worth a try taste from the leaves together and in refrigerator. Has worked with individuals, small to medium enterprises, and provide partial shade, and in cold,. Highlight here are 55+ plants you can grow spinach in overly warm weather, spinach best! Or so spinach can be ready to harvest spinach leaves may be better to grow in hydroponic... Leaves are large enough for your spinach may be better to grow from... Gardenno trowel required for fall how to grow spinach in zimbabwe Winter and next spring harvest standard cabbage vitamins that are essential to human.! More slowly 41-48 degrees for around ten days 's planted as seed in! Drip irrigation grow seedlings thankfully, Bt spray will help prevent bolting and vegetables at the time!

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