How to Grow Spinach in Missouri
Spinach thrives in Missouri’s cooler spring and fall seasons, making it an ideal crop for gardeners in this state. While Missouri’s hot summers are not suitable for spinach, careful timing in the cooler months will lead to successful growth. Here’s how to grow spinach in Missouri for optimal results.
1. Choosing the Right Spinach Variety
Different spinach varieties are suited for the fluctuating temperatures of Missouri’s growing seasons. Consider planting:
- Winter Bloomsdale: Known for its cold tolerance and crinkled leaves, perfect for early spring or late fall planting.
- Red Cardinal: A fast-growing variety with reddish stems and leaves that can withstand colder temperatures.
- Tyee: A versatile, disease-resistant variety that is ideal for Missouri’s variable climate.
2. When to Plant Spinach in Missouri
Spinach prefers cool temperatures, and timing is key to avoiding the hot Missouri summers.
- Spring Planting: Sow seeds in late February to early March, as soon as the soil is workable. Spinach germinates well in cool temperatures and can tolerate light frosts.
- Fall Planting: For a fall harvest, plant spinach in late August to early September. Spinach can grow well into the fall, and cooler temperatures enhance the flavor of the leaves.
3. Soil Preparation
Spinach requires well-drained, fertile soil. Prepare the soil as follows:
- Amend the soil with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve fertility and drainage.
- The ideal soil pH for spinach is between 6.0 and 7.0. Test the soil and adjust if necessary by adding lime (to raise pH) or sulfur (to lower pH).
4. Planting the Seeds
Spinach can be direct-seeded into the garden or raised beds.
- Spacing: Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep and about 2 inches apart in rows spaced 12 to 18 inches apart.
- Thinning: Once the seedlings reach about 2 inches in height, thin them to 4 to 6 inches apart to provide enough space for mature plants.
5. Caring for Spinach
Spinach is relatively easy to care for, but attention to watering and feeding will lead to a healthy crop.
- Watering: Spinach needs consistent moisture, especially during germination and the early growth stages. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging. In hot weather, ensure the plants receive 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week.
- Mulching: Use a mulch layer to retain soil moisture and keep the roots cool. Mulching also helps prevent weeds from competing with spinach.
- Fertilizing: Spinach benefits from a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. If the soil is low in nutrients, apply a balanced fertilizer before planting and side-dress with compost or a nitrogen-heavy fertilizer during the growing season.
6. Pest and Disease Management
In Missouri, common pests include aphids, slugs, and leaf miners. Spinach can also be susceptible to fungal diseases in humid conditions.
- Pests: Neem oil or insecticidal soap can help control aphids. For slugs, use slug traps or sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the base of the plants. Remove affected leaves to control leaf miners.
- Diseases: Prevent fungal diseases like downy mildew by planting in well-drained soil, ensuring proper spacing, and watering the base of the plants to avoid wet leaves.
7. When to Harvest Spinach
Spinach can be harvested when the leaves are large enough to eat, typically around 30 to 45 days after planting, depending on the variety. Harvest before temperatures rise too much, as hot weather can cause the spinach to bolt and become bitter.
- Harvesting Method: You can harvest spinach by picking individual outer leaves, leaving the inner leaves to grow, or by cutting the entire plant just above the soil. Regular harvesting encourages more leaf production.
Conclusion
Missouri’s cooler spring and fall seasons provide ideal growing conditions for spinach. By planting early in the spring or late in the summer, and ensuring consistent moisture and nutrient-rich soil, you can enjoy a steady harvest of fresh spinach. Whether you grow it in a garden or raised beds, spinach is a rewarding crop that thrives in Missouri’s temperate periods.
