Spinach is a nutrient-rich vegetable, particularly as a source of iron, that is commonly consumed daily. It is easy to grow, making it a popular choice for cultivation.
Growing spinach can be done simply using raised beds. To achieve high-quality spinach, this article will guide you through planting, caring for, and harvesting spinach.
1. Land Preparation

The land should first be cleared of weeds or any remnants of previous plants. To loosen the soil, the land is tilled to a depth of 20-30 cm. Then, raised beds are formed with a width of 100 cm, a height of 30 cm, and a length adjusted to the field’s conditions. The spacing between the beds should be 30-50 cm.
Once the beds are leveled, apply a base fertilizer using chicken manure at a rate of 4 kg/mยฒ and let it sit for 3 days before planting. If the soil pH is below 7, add dolomite lime at a rate of 500 kg/ha or 50 g/mยฒ.
2. Planting or Sowing Seeds

For one hectare, 5-10 kg of spinach seeds are needed. The seeds can be directly scattered on the raised beds or sown in rows spaced 20 cm apart, then covered with a thin layer of soil. Alternatively, the seeds can be pre-sown in a nursery to ensure optimal growth.
3. Maintenance

Spinach should be watered twice a day, in the morning and afternoon, although farmers often rely on rainwater. If weeds grow, weeding should be done every 2 weeks to optimize nutrient absorption.
Besides chicken manure, other fertilizers that can be applied include urea at a dose of 150 kg/ha or 15 g/mยฒ. The urea is dissolved in water and applied to the plants in the afternoon 10 days after sowing. Liquid organic fertilizers can also be used at a dose of 3 liters/ha or 0.3 ml/mยฒ, applied 2 weeks after sowing.
4. Pest and Disease Management

Common pests that attack spinach include leaf caterpillars, aphids, leaf miners, and grasshoppers. Diseases such as damping-off (Rhizoctonia solani) and white rust (Albugo sp.) are frequently found.
To prevent these issues, spray natural pesticides made from plant-based ingredients such as neem leaf extract or garlic. For severe infestations, chemical pesticides may be necessary. Ensure you follow the correct type, dosage, spray volume, application method, interval, and timing.
5. Harvesting and Post-Harvest Handling

Depending on the type, spinach can be harvested by uprooting the entire plant or picking the leaves one by one. Spinach is ready for harvest when it reaches 20 cm in height or 20 days after planting.
For leaf-picking spinach, harvesting can begin 3 weeks after planting by plucking the tips or young leaves weekly. Once harvested, the spinach is gathered and tied into bundles of one handful each. These bundles are then grouped into 100-150 bunches and secured with raffia string.
Spinach is the second most consumed vegetable in Indonesia after water spinach. With proper cultivation techniques, you can harvest spinach with a yield potential of up to 20 tons per hectare, helping meet the demand for spinach in Indonesia.