Growing Spinach Indoors: An Easy to Follow Guide
- Author: Saiqa Najeeb
- Last Updated On: June 27, 2023
Do you want to add some fresh and healthy spinach to your diet but don’t have the luxury of a garden or outdoor space? We’ve got just the solution for you: growing Spinach indoors!
You may think, “But I don’t have a green thumb!” or “I’ve never grown anything in my life!”
Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. This beginner’s guide to growing Spinach indoors will take you step-by-step through the process, from choosing the right container and soil to harvesting your own spinach leaves.
So, get ready because things are about to get green!
Why Should You Consider Growing Spinach Indoors?
- Spinach is a nutrient-dense vegetable rich in vitamins A, C, K, and folate and minerals such as iron, calcium, and potassium.
- Growing Spinach indoors gives you a fresh supply of this nutritious green year-round without worrying about weather conditions or soil quality.
- Spinach is a versatile ingredient in the kitchen and can be used in various dishes, such as soups, salads, smoothies, and pasta sauces.
- Spinach is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal space and attention, making it an ideal choice for indoor gardening.
- Spinach has a short growing cycle of around 45 days so you can enjoy multiple harvests throughout the year.
- In addition, growing Spinach indoors can help with the purification of the surrounding environment in your home by absorbing pollutants and toxins, creating a healthier living environment.
When Should You Plant Spinach Indoors?
Spinach can be grown indoors all year round, but it’s best to start planting in the cooler months of the year, such as in the fall or winter. This is because spinach prefers moderate temperatures between 15-20°C (60-68°F) and can struggle to grow in hotter temperatures.
Where Should You Plant Spinach Indoors?
Spinach can be grown in pots or containers and placed in a variety of locations around your home. When choosing a location for your spinach plants, keep in mind that they require at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day or or even longer in case of artificial light if grown indoors. Consider placing your spinach plants near a south-facing window or using grow lights to provide the necessary light requirements.
Discover the Varieties of Spinach
Spinach comes in many different varieties with unique characteristics and flavors. Some popular varieties of Spinach include:
1
Baby spinach
A tender and mild-tasting spinach with small leaves, often used in salads and smoothies.
2
Savoy spinach
A crinkly-leafed spinach that is more resistant to pests and diseases than other varieties.
3
Bloomsdale Spinach
A classic heirloom spinach with dark green, slightly crinkled leaves and a sweet flavor.
4
New Zealand spinach
A heat-tolerant spinach that grows well in warm climates and has a slightly salty taste.
What do you need to grow Spinach indoors?
To grow Spinach indoors, you will need the following resources:
- Spinach seeds
- Container or pot
- High-quality potting mix
- Fertilizer
- Pruning shears
- pH Meter
Step-by-step guide for planting Spinach indoors
- Choose a container with at least 6-8 inches deep with a diameter of around 12-18 inches. Make sure that it has drainage holes at the bottom.
- Fill a container or pot with a well-draining potting mix, leaving about 1-2 inches of space at the top.
- Moisten the potting mix with water until it is evenly damp but not soggy.
- Sow the spinach seeds into the soil, following the instructions on the seed packet for proper planting depth and spacing.
- Cover the seeds with a thin soil or vermiculite layer and gently water.
- Place the container in a warm, sunny location or under grow lights, ensuring the plants receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day or 12-16 hours of artificial light.
- Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged by watering regularly. Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot.
- Fertilize the spinach plants once a month with a balanced fertilizer, following the package instructions for application rates.
- Thin the seedlings once grown to about 2-3 inches tall, leaving only the most healthy plants in the container.
- Harvest the outer leaves of the spinach plant once they reach a suitable size, leaving the center leaves to continue growing. Cut the leaves at the base of the stem with pruning shears or scissors.
How to care for your indoor spinach plants
Here are some tips on how to care for your indoor spinach plants:
Watering: Water your spinach plants regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while under-watering can cause the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. Check the soil moisture level regularly and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Fertilization: Fertilize your spinach plants once a month with a balanced fertilizer. This will provide the necessary nutrients to support healthy growth and development.
Light: Spinach plants need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily or 12-16 hours of artificial light. Make sure to place your container in a location that receives adequate light, or use grow lights to supplement natural light.
Temperature:Avoid exposing your spinach plants to temperatures below 10°C (50°F), as this can stunt their growth and cause damage.
Humidity: Spinach plants prefer a slightly humid environment, so use a spray bottle to increase humidity levels regularly.
Common diseases to watch out while growing spinach indoors
Spinach plants are relatively resistant to diseases but can still be affected by a few common issues. Here are some of the most common diseases that can affect indoor spinach plants and how to treat them:
- Downy Mildew: This fungal disease appears as yellow patches on the upper leaves and a grayish mold on the undersides. To prevent downy mildew, avoid overhead watering, and ensure good air circulation around the plants. If you notice signs of downy mildew, spray your plants with a fungicide.
- Leaf Spot: This bacterial disease causes small, circular spots on the leaves, which eventually turn brown and fall off. To prevent leaf spots, avoid overhead watering and ensure good air circulation. If you notice signs of a leaf spot, remove the affected leaves and treat the plant with a copper fungicide.
- Root Rot: This fungal disease causes the roots to rot, leading to stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves. To prevent root rot, ensure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering. If you notice signs of root rot, remove the affected plants and sterilize the soil to prevent further spread.
Harvesting and storing tips
Harvesting and storing Spinach properly can ensure a bountiful and nutritious yield. Here are some tips for harvesting and storing Spinach:
When Is the Right Time to Harvest Spinach?
Spinach is ready to be harvested when the leaves are large enough to eat. You can start harvesting the outer leaves when they are about 3-4 inches long. It’s best to harvest Spinach in the morning, as the leaves will be crisper and fresher.
Top Techniques for Harvesting Spinach
To harvest Spinach, scissors or garden shears cut the outer leaves off the plant. Make sure to keep the inner leaves and the growing point intact, which will encourage new growth. Alternatively, you can harvest the entire plant by cutting it off at the base, which will only give you one harvest.
How to Store and Preserve Spinach
After harvesting:
- Rinse the Spinach leaves in cold water to remove dirt or debris.
- Spin them dry in a salad spinner or pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Store the Spinach in an airtight container or a plastic bag in the refrigerator.
Spinach can last for up to a week when stored properly. If you have an excess of Spinach, you can freeze it later. Blanch the spinach leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain the leaves and pack them into a freezer-safe container. Frozen Spinach can last for up to 8 months in the freezer.
Which plants to grow with your spinach plants?
Regarding companion planting, Spinach has a few great partners that can help promote healthy growth and protect against pests. Here are some plants that make the perfect pair with Spinach:
- Strawberries
- Radishes
- Lettuce
- Beans
- Tomatoes
- Cabbage
- Cucumber
Don't wait, start planting!
Growing Spinach indoors can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for beginners. By providing the proper growing conditions, using the necessary tools, and following the step-by-step guide, anyone can grow fresh Spinach right in their home.
With its numerous health benefits, versatile use in cooking, and easy maintenance, there’s no reason not to start growing Spinach today.
So, give growing Spinach indoors a try and enjoy its many benefits!
