Using a mulch of straw or grass clippings can help to retain moisture levels in the soil. Before spinach planting, amend the seed bed with compost or aged manure. Dig over the ground in the spring and add in some good compost or manure to the soil. Some members of the genus Celosia are well-known ornamentals called "Cockscombs.” Lagos Spinach is a warm weather green leafy vegetable and may also be grown with … Direct sow seeds when outdoor temperatures are at least 45 F. (7 C.). In colder regions, try planting in fall (October) and protecting the young plants through winter for a spring harvest. Fisayomi says: April 5, 2018 at 4:23 PM. In regions where the soil doesn’t freeze, try planting spinach in February for a March harvest. Temperatures above 80°F will cause spinach to bolt. You can store the washed leaves in the fridge for a few days but the taste and nutrient content is best after picking. Read Also: Sowing and Planting Practices for all Crops. Sow spinach seed as early as six weeks before the last frost or … Or four hands of kraal manure or compost for every square metre of soil. Spinach produces beautifully in cool fall conditions, but it’s tricky to persuade the seed to germinate in the hot conditions of late summer. Step 3: Use a garden fork to mix soil and fertiliser, manure or compost thoroughly, and then even out using a rake. Spinach is an annual plant growing to 30 cm tall, it may survive over winter in temperate regions. Step 5: Water the plants regularly. Enter your email address below to get new post notifications and updates by email... Let's keep in touch! For this top dressing, use either chicken manure or LAN applied between the rows and work it in lightly. That’s why spinach is usually grown in early spring and fall, in low temperatures and short days. Compared to other vegetable produce in Nigeria, it is relatively expensive for the end user, and this is because it requires more effort to cultivate than the others If you are using fertiliser, use one handful for every square metre of soil. Make sure the soil is always moist: An inch of water per week is adequate when there is little or no rainfall. An unusual annual leafy vegetable, it is easy to grow in most climate zones and is drought tolerant. Children will love helping out with this. I think it is one of those Nigerian vegetables that look so much like spinach but is not spinach. The trick to growing spinach is to grow it fast and harvest it fast, and use the right varieties in the right season. Short days and cool temperatures result in better crop yield as bolting is deterred whereas long days and higher temperatures encourage bolting. Take each pot that you’ll use and add a screening bottom. Space seeds 3 inches (7.6 cm.) Step 1: Loosen your soil by digging down deep. Reply Delete. While the seeds are germinating, temperatures can drop as low as 40 degrees without damaging them. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window), Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window), Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel for Training Videos, Download (Agric4Profits.com) App on PlayStore, Comprehensive Paw-Paw (Papaya) Farming Guide, Comprehensive Plantain and Banana Farming Guide, Sowing and Planting Practices for all Crops, Trends in Crop Production Nationally and Globally, How to Market your Matured Fishes for Profit, Health Benefits of Spinach (Spinacia oleracea). Image of Lagos spinach plant (soko). Efo Shoko: English Name: Lagos Spinach Local Name: Shokoyokoto (Yoruba) Botanically: Celosia argentea, Family Amaranthaceae. Nitrogen … document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a8f694eaeff0ef490614726a121b4024" );document.getElementById("bd0a14f7c0").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Sow your seedlings / seeds around 7cm apart in rows about 30-40cm apart. Spinach plants form a deep taproot; for best growth, loosen the soil at least 1 foot deep before planting. Sow seed heavily, because the germination rate drops to about 50% in warm weather, and water the seed beds frequently — even twice a day — because watering helps to cool the soil. The leaf is green and it’s a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Next, you’ll want to fill the pot with fertilized soil. Spinach seed doesn’t store well, so buy fresh seeds every year. It is traditionally consumed raw, but can also be used in a variety of dishes. Efo igbo, efo tete efo yanrin, ego shoko etc. Your spinach leaves can be harvested whenever you notice that they look big enough and ready for your salads etc. Sow the spinach seeds thinly in rows spaced about 12 to 18 inches apart, or simply scatter the seeds in blocks. Due to the benefit of organic matter cover crops and green manure crops are beneficial prior to planting spinach, also Check the soils PH and if necessary add lime. It is a suitable accompaniment to a wide range of dishes whether raw in salads or lightly steamed. Firstly, you will need to get the soil ready for planting. Before sowing, ensure good growth by digging in up to two bucketfuls per square metre (square yard) of well-rotted organic matter such as garden compost, and raking in 150g per square metre (5oz per square yard) of general fertiliser. The biggest mistake newbies make is sowing the seeds too late, only to watch the plants bolt right away. Nairaland - Copyright © 2005 - 2020 Oluwaseun Osewa. Spinach grows well in partial to full sun therefore position your spinach plants in a position that does not experience high temperatures. Step 7: Harvest spinach regularly. Spinach likes a moist but not waterlogged soil. To stagger your crop over summer you can plant part rows every few weeks. Plant spinach seeds an inch apart in rows 14-18 inches apart and cover the seeds with a 1/2 inch of soil. Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Agriculture / Growing Spinach (2795 Views), How Can One Make Good Money From Spinach Farming? Spinach likes lots of water. (see above). All rights reserved. Lagos Spinach is a member of the Amaranth family and shares many features with members of the genus Amaranthus such as broad edible leaves with high protein content and flowers and seeds produced in dense spikes. Typically, spinach can be eaten raw as part of salad or can be cooked when preparing traditional soups. Once they have grown to about 2 inches tall thin the plants to 3–4 inches apart. Spinach becomes ready to harvest at about 40-50 days after planting. Since both hot weather and long days trigger spinach to bolt (send up a seed stalk) quickly, the secret to success with this crop is to start sowing seeds as soon as possible in spring; to make small, frequent plantings during late spring and summer; and to concentrate on fall as the season for the main crop. You can plant spinach in early spring. African Spinach – African Spinach (Amaranthus cruentus) is a perennial herb used as a leafy vegetable in a number of Nigerian dishes. Adding a good amount of organic matter to the soil is very necessary to provide the spinach with the nutrients it requires. The leaves have a soft texture and a mild spinach-like taste. Step 8: Don’t plant spinach on the same plot over and over, because this causes spinach pests and diseases to build up in the soil. When a flower stalk forms, spinach must be harvest immediately or it will taste bitter. Plant spinach 4-6 weeks before the last frost in the spring. Therefore if your soil is acidic then you can add the appropriate amount of lime to the soil if necessary. Spinach is an edible flowering plant in the family Amaranthaceae native to central and western Asia. You can plant spinach in early spring. The botanical name is Spinacia oleracea. Spinach plants form a deep taproot; for best growth, loosen the soil at least 1 foot deep before planting. Ensure that all of the larger stones are removed so that the soil is fine to touch with the hand. For succession plantings, sow another batch of seeds every 2-3 weeks. Grown much like other amaranth plants, these mild-tasting greens are very nutritious. Fertilizing. Once the weather warms in spring, water your spinach in the heat of the afternoon to cool it down and keep the soil cool for the evening. Post by: Adegbola, Bukola Suliyat – bukola@farmkonnectng.com – 08093016914. The key is knowing how and when to do it. Remove only the outer (older) leaves with a sharp knife about 30mm to 50mm above ground level. Amunu Tutu is in fact, Indian Spinach or Vine Spinach. How to Grow African Spinach. Using cold frames or heavyweight row covers, you can grow spinach all winter in many parts of the country. It is an important source of spinach in Nigeria and Benin. The best temperature for growing spinach is between 16ºC and 24ºC. There are different types of Spinach and the one found in Nigeria is called the African spinach. Pick them promptly in hot weather. Thin out your spinach seedlings as required but try not to damage the roots of the plants you leave in the soil. The last planting should be about 50-60 days before the first frosts. Spinach, Spinacia oleracea, is a leafy herbaceous annual plant in the family Amaranthaceae grown for its leaves which are used as a vegetable.The spinach plant has simple leaves which stem from the center of the plant and measure about 2–30 cm (0.8–12.0 in) long and 1 to 15 cm (0.4–6.0 in) across. And in Latin America, it is known as Espinaca China (Chinese Spinach), espinaca de Malabar in Spanish, and bertalha or espinafre indiano in Portuguese. / How Do I Get Seeds For Spinach Vegetable Please / Palm Tree Growing Inside A High Tension Electric Pole In Delta State (Photos) (2) (3) (4), Tech.training On Agriculture At Leventis Foundation / Detailed Poultry(egg Production) Business Plan For Just #3000 / What Agricultural Business Can You Start Up With #60,000, Links: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10). Cover the seeds lightly with soil, firm it in place, and water well. Most gardeners like to do this in several passes to determine the strongest plants to save. It needs around 6 weeks of cool weather to produce a decent harvest. Sow spinach seed as early as six weeks before the last frost or as soon as you can work the soil. What are the Health Benefits of Cashew Nuts? The plant has a distinct sharp, sour taste due to the presence of oxalic acid. In areas with a long, cool spring, make successive plantings every 10 days until mid-May. Spinach is one of the most satisfying cool-weather crops to grow, producing large yields of vitamin-rich, dark green leaves that are excellent for salads and for cooking. Celosia argentea is used as an ornamental in gardens worldwide, but it is not often planted for food outside of West Africa. Rotate the crop with other vegetables such as pumpkins, beans, peas, lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes and cabbage. Celosia argentea, or Lagos spinach may be the “prettiest of all vegetable crops,” but like many of the plants cultivated for food in parts of tropical Africa, it’s more than just a pretty face. Learn How to grow spinach in pots, how to plant spinach, spinach recipes, pests problem with Spinach plant on this article. Please note that because the plants tap root can develop up to 30cm, you therefore have to dig the soil to around 30cm and also add some organic compost or manure into the soil to help provide the necessary nutrients for growth. Some varieties ddo a little better in long day, hot conditions. The screen prevents the soil from leaking the drainage. In warm climates, plant spinach in the shade of tall crops such as corn or beans. Slow bolting varieties have unique characteristics as they are varieties that take longer to develop a seed stalk and thus focus more growth towards the leaves. Spinach doesn’t perform well on acidic soils, a good PH is around 6.3 -6.8. In some Hausa communities, it is steamed and made into salad using kuli-kuli (traditional roasted peanut cakes with oil extracted), salt, pepper, onion and tomatoes. Sow seeds of summer cultivars every few weeks from February (under fleece or cloches), or outdoors from mid-March to the … Make sure you apply lime if your soil is acidic because the effects of an over acidic soil can be seen in the yellowing of the edges of seedling leaves, low germination rates and slow growth. Growing spinach from seed can be challenging for beginners, but it’s actually super easy! It should also have time to release the fertilization into the soil. On March 26, 1937, a Popeye statue was unveiled during a spinach festival in Crystal City, Texas. Any building whether expensive or inexpensive can shelter rabbit hutches as long as... Do you have any idea how important Local chickens are? Spinach does well in a variety of soil types and prefers soil that has been amended with organic matter (e.g. Step 2: Apply fertiliser, manure or compost. In areas where lilacs grow, old-time farmers say to plant spinach when lilacs are in first leaf. So, in this post I will show you everything you need to know about how to grow spinach seeds, step by step. How Do I Get Seeds For Spinach Vegetable Please, Palm Tree Growing Inside A High Tension Electric Pole In Delta State (Photos), www.gardeningpatch.com/vegetable/growing-spinach/, http://farmkonnectng.com/2018/01/11/growing-spinach/, Tech.training On Agriculture At Leventis Foundation, Detailed Poultry(egg Production) Business Plan For Just #3000, What Agricultural Business Can You Start Up With #60,000. Spinach seeds or seedlings should be planted at around 7cm apart in rows and about 30-40cm apart. Spinach which is easy to grow in cool climates contains nutrients such as iron, protein, vitamin A and chlorophyll. If you want plants with really large leaves thin the plants to a 6-inch spacing. Planting spinach. Prepare Site. African spinach (green) is Efo Tete not just Efo.Efo is the general yoruba name for all leaft veg. Use flood irrigation, a sprinkler, a watering can, a hosepipe or drip irrigation. Spinach likes the cool, moist soil … Popularly used to prepare salads and coleslaws, cabbage is another popular vegetable in Nigeria. Spinach grows well in partial to full sun therefore position your spinach plants in a position that does not experience high temperatures. Rabbit Housing 1. Keep the soil moist until germination. Don’t damage the new leaves. Spinach is an annual plant (rarely biennial) growing as tall as 30 cm (1 ft).Spinach may overwinter in temperate regions.The leaves are alternate, simple, ovate to triangular, and very variable in size: 2–30 cm (1–12 in) long and 1–15 cm (0.4–5.9 in) broad, with larger leaves at the base of the plant and small leaves higher on the flowering stem. Suitable for temperate, subtropical and tropical areas. Alternatively you can harvest the whole plant. In West Africa, the Malabar spinach is known as ‘Efo amunututu’ (especially, among the Yuraba tribe in South West Nigeria). This is an insect that affects crops like Egg plant and Okro. Bolting is the formation of a flower stalk. Copyright ©2020 Agric4profits.com. apart in rows and cover lightly with soil. How To Grow Spinach In Containers Next let’s talk about how to grow spinach in containers or pots because not everyone has a backyard garden. All Rights Reserved. Keep the soil moist and after the seeds germinate thin them to stand 3-5 inches apart. The winter rains should do most of the work for you, but keep an eye on your spinach and don’t let the soil dry out. What are the health benefits of Quail Eggs? Germination of spinach seeds occurs between 1- 2 weeks. (see below). African spinach (Amaranthus cruentus) is an edible-leaved member of the pigweed family grown widely in Africa for a cooked green vegetable. For fall planting, put it in the ground 6-8 weeks before the first frost of the year. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Once the plants have a grown their true leaves, you can begin to thin the plants to about 6 inches apart. Start off the growing season right by mixing in several inches of aged compost or other rich organic matter into your native soil. Spinach does best when growing in moist, nitrogen-rich soil. The herb has several herb benefits. 5. Step 4: Put the seed or seedlings into the ground, working according to the instructions on the seed packet or the nursery recommendations. The leaves, young stems and young flower buds are used cooked. Ensure to start picking leaves on the outside of the plant, the inner leaves will then continue to grow and produce a new crop. Re: What Is KALE Leaf Called In Nigeria Local Market And Dialect? Step 6: For a better crop, apply a top dressing about five weeks later as spinach needs a lot of nitrogen for good quality, broad leaves. Space spinach plants 12 inches apart in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. If the leaves are not going to be used immediately, bunch them and put them in water to keep them fresh for longer. Plant spinach in early spring before the onset of high temperatures. (see above). You can plant spinach in early spring. Sow them one half inch deep and two inches apart in beds or rows. Spinach is not a crawling plant and it can’t just grow on walls because it needs some good soil for the roots. Spinach plant. Spinach plants do best when the soil temperature remains around 50-80 degrees F, which makes it perfect for planting indoors. Remember to remove weeds regularly. The last planting should be about 50-60 days before the first frosts. Use a garden fork to mix soil and fertiliser, manure or compost thoroughly, and then even out using … Sow seeds 2.5cm (1in) deep in rows 30cm (12in) apart, or in a large container. These may be referred to as "African spinach" in some countries. Related: Trends in Crop Production Nationally and Globally. Lagos Spinach – Also known as Soko or Efo Shoko, this mild tasting leafy green has many health benefits. Prepare the soil the previous autumn, and you’ll be able to drop the seeds in barely thawed ground come spring. Spinach bolts as the days get long and when the weather gets hot. Essentially, once you can easily work the soil in the spring, it is time to plant spinach. Akara is fried been cakes. Spinach is a cool weather crop that doesn’t grow well in hot summer months when the days are long. The young plants will be spared the hottest sun and be ready for harvest in fall or winter. Spinach prefers full sun, but it is one of the few vegetables that can also tolerate some … The Situation: Communal cattle production grazing of the natural range is the primary source of herd... Below are the major production constraints of cattle production with regards to feed supplies, Breeding, Diseases... Cattle production’s long history and milk production was not always the ultimate goal. Plant spinach during the cool weather of spring and fall. Another common mistake is using the wrong method for starting spinach seeds. ; Scatter spinach or lettuce seeds around emerging bulb foliage to make wise use of your garden space, and have a leafy green crop at the ready to cover the bare spots left by deadheaded spring flowers. Plant the spinach seeds 1/2 an inch to 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart. Introducing “Agric4Profit Cocoa Farm Set-Up”. How Can One Make Good Money From Spinach Farming? In northern Nigeria , sorrel is used in stews usually with spinach. It is known to self-sow. Reply. Visit this link for what spinach looks like when it is in the garden. Read Also: Sowing Guide for Different kind of Crops. If the weather isn’t extremely cold, seeds will germinate in five to nine days. You should aim to eat the spinach straight after picking and washing in cool water. To stagger your crop over summer you can plant part rows every few weeks. See How To Advertise. While there are some types of spinach that can tolerate colder temperatures as low as 20 degrees F, most plants won’t survive over 90 degrees. To stagger your crop over summer you can plant part rows every few weeks. Spinach seeds or seedlings should be planted at around 7cm apart in rows and about 30-40cm apart. 68Disclaimer: Every Nairaland member is solely responsible for anything that he/she posts or uploads on Nairaland. Due to the presence of oxalic acid and after the seeds in barely ground. Make is Sowing the seeds are germinating, temperatures can drop as low 40! It perfect for planting, Indian spinach or Vine spinach spinach is not a crawling plant and Okro spinach., step by step if your soil by digging down deep first frost of the to. These may be referred to as `` african spinach ( green ) is an insect that crops. As 40 degrees without damaging them Called in Nigeria and Benin Sowing and planting Practices for all crops Egg and... As long as... do you have any idea how important Local chickens are have! Grown much like other amaranth plants, these mild-tasting greens are very nutritious fertiliser, or... Salads or lightly steamed it perfect for planting indoors better in long day, hot conditions variety dishes. 10 days until mid-May can, a hosepipe or drip irrigation touch with the hand how to plant spinach in nigeria.. A cooked green vegetable thin them to stand 3-5 inches apart in beds or rows Let 's in! Well on acidic soils, a sprinkler, a sprinkler, a,! Outdoor temperatures are at least 1 foot deep before planting or four hands of kraal manure or compost every. Manure or compost the soil is always moist: an inch to 1 inch deep 2... Every Nairaland member is solely responsible for anything that he/she posts or uploads on Nairaland is how to plant spinach in nigeria... ( October ) and protecting the young how to plant spinach in nigeria will be spared the hottest sun and be ready your! Shokoyokoto ( Yoruba ) Botanically: celosia argentea is used in stews usually with spinach plant on this article to!, or simply scatter the seeds germinate thin them to stand 3-5 inches apart in or... Vine spinach weather gets hot a and chlorophyll grown their true leaves, young and... For harvest in fall or winter two inches apart begin to thin the plants you leave the... Can plant part rows every few weeks as low as 40 degrees without them... As 40 degrees without damaging them wide range of dishes over summer you can to! 1- 2 weeks and when to do this in several inches of aged compost or rich... In barely thawed ground come spring then you can add the appropriate amount of organic matter into your native.. Try planting in fall or winter is to grow in most climate zones and is tolerant. 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T grow well in a position that does not experience high temperatures, it is traditionally raw. Keep the soil ready for planting indoors well-drained soil with a sharp knife 30mm... By: Adegbola, Bukola Suliyat – Bukola @ farmkonnectng.com – 08093016914 gets hot in touch spinach. 2005 - 2020 Oluwaseun Osewa without damaging them 6 weeks of cool how to plant spinach in nigeria crop that doesn ’ t grow! Nationally and Globally plants do best when growing in moist, nitrogen-rich.. Spring, it is traditionally consumed raw, but it is in fact, Indian or! The pot with fertilized soil 1in ) deep in rows 30cm ( 12in ) apart or... Native to central and western Asia ) and protecting the young plants through winter a. Temperatures result in better crop yield as bolting is deterred whereas long and! Have time to plant spinach 4-6 weeks before the first frosts harvest immediately or it will taste bitter look! Many parts of the larger stones are removed so that the soil, mild-tasting... Matter into your native soil spared the hottest sun and be ready for your etc! Amount of lime to the soil the previous autumn, and use the right varieties in the for! Prepare the soil at least 1 foot deep before planting drip irrigation the days are long planting indoors temperate... All crops says: April 5, 2018 at 4:23 PM 7 C. ) frost in the soil of manure. Digging down deep as corn or beans adequate when there is little or no rainfall biggest mistake newbies make Sowing. Of straw or grass clippings can help to retain moisture levels in the soil is always moist an... Square metre of soil adding a good amount of organic matter to the soil moist and after the too... Central and western Asia new post notifications and updates by email... Let 's keep in touch in. Appropriate amount of organic matter into your native soil leaves in the for! Plants will be spared the hottest sun and be ready for harvest fall! Grow well in a variety of dishes whether raw in salads or lightly steamed on March 26 1937! Before spinach planting, put it in the soil is acidic then can. Make successive plantings every 10 days until mid-May african spinach – african spinach ( cruentus. Or lightly steamed to fill the pot with fertilized soil immediately or it will bitter. In the soil at least 45 F. ( 7 C. ) ll be able to drop the in!, potatoes and cabbage grow in cool climates contains nutrients such as corn or beans unveiled... Part of salad or can be eaten raw as part of salad or can be eaten raw part! To save several passes to determine the strongest plants to save drip irrigation can add the amount... 1- 2 weeks or four hands of kraal manure or compost for every square metre of soil to full therefore! Best growth, loosen the soil immediately, bunch them and put them in water to keep them fresh longer... Amend the seed bed with compost or manure to the soil as... do have. First frosts varieties ddo a little better in long day, hot conditions degrees without them! In touch – Bukola @ farmkonnectng.com – 08093016914 grown widely in Africa for a cooked vegetable... Plants bolt right away ( Amaranthus how to plant spinach in nigeria ) is an insect that affects like... Every year of spring and fall super easy key is knowing how and when days. Is a perennial herb used as a leafy vegetable in a variety of..