Is the spinach you planted struggling to grow, lacking lush leaves, or not yielding as expected? Many beginners make small mistakes that significantly impact their plants, such as choosing the wrong seeds or providing insufficient care.
Don’t worry! In this article, you’ll discover easy tips and steps to avoid these mistakes so your spinach can thrive and produce a bountiful harvest. Let’s learn how!
1. Ignoring the Type of Spinach Being Planted

Spinach comes in various types, each with distinct characteristics and uses, such as pulled spinach (Amaranthus tricolor) and harvested spinach (Amaranthus dubius). Pulled spinach has small leaves, short stems, and a short harvest period of about 20-25 days. It is harvested by uprooting the entire plant and is commonly used in clear vegetable soups.
Meanwhile, harvested spinach has broad leaves, upright stems, and a harvest period of about 30-40 days. It can be harvested multiple times by picking its leaves and is used in dishes like pecel, gado-gado, or as fresh vegetables. Identifying the spinach type is crucial for proper care and harvesting techniques, maximizing production yield.
2. Storing Spinach Seeds Carelessly

The required amount of spinach seeds for planting is about 3,000 to 3,500 grams per hectare or 0.3-0.35 grams per square meter. After sowing the seeds on the planting beds, any leftovers must be stored properly for the next planting cycle.
If stored carelessly, such as in open or humid places, the seeds may deteriorate and lose quality. Proper storage is essential to maintain seed viability and ensure successful future planting.
Spinach seeds should be stored in airtight containers like zip-lock bags or jars and kept in a cool place, such as a refrigerator. This method slows down seed aging, preserving their quality for future use.
3. Poor Soil Preparation

Soil preparation is a crucial first step in creating optimal growing conditions for spinach. Without proper tilling, the soil becomes compact and hard, making it difficult for roots to develop properly. This also restricts water and air movement in the soil, essential for plant growth.
Additionally, failing to apply organic base fertilizers results in a lack of essential organic matter needed for soil fertility. Organic fertilizers like manure, compost, or green manure enhance the soil’s water retention capacity and nutrient availability.
Good soil preparation includes loosening the soil to a depth of 20โ30 cm, removing weeds and previous plant residues, and adding organic fertilizers before planting. These steps improve the soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties, leading to better plant growth and higher yields.
4. Planting Spinach During the Hottest Hours

Planting spinach in the middle of the day is not ideal due to high evaporation, which depletes soil moisture. This condition hampers seed germination, which requires optimal humidity. Additionally, high temperatures can stress both the seeds and the farmer working under the sun.
For the best results, plant spinach in the morning or late afternoon when soil moisture is more stable, supporting germination. Cooler temperatures also make planting more comfortable and efficient. Choosing the right planting time increases the chances of successful spinach cultivation.
5. Failing to Water Spinach Plants

Water is a critical factor in the germination and growth of spinach. During dry seasons, prolonged drought can hinder growth, resulting in stunted plants and delayed harvests.
To prevent this, ensure regular watering, especially immediately after planting. The first watering is crucial for providing enough moisture for seed germination.
Watering should be done in the morning or late afternoon to reduce excessive evaporation. Ensure that water reaches the roots without causing waterlogging, which can lead to diseases due to excess moisture. With proper watering, spinach plants can grow optimally within the expected timeframe.
6. Neglecting Regular Weeding

Weeds are a major challenge in spinach farming as they compete for water, nutrients, and sunlight. Additionally, some weeds release allelopathic chemicals that inhibit the growth of surrounding plants.
If left unchecked, weeds can become a hiding place for pests such as aphids, thrips, or caterpillars and serve as breeding grounds for plant diseases. Regular weeding not only reduces pest and disease risks but also prevents weed contamination in harvested spinach.
Weeding should be done before weeds grow too large and difficult to remove, ideally every 1-2 weeks, depending on weed growth. Use simple tools like a small hoe or hands to pull weeds carefully to avoid damaging spinach roots. Keeping the planting area weed-free ensures optimal growth and better yields.
7. Failing to Monitor Pests and Diseases

Monitoring involves routinely inspecting plants to detect pests and diseases early. Without monitoring, infestations can escalate, severely affecting yields.
If pests are found, the first step is manual removal to prevent further spread. For example, caterpillars can be handpicked and destroyed.
If disease symptoms such as leaf spots or wilting appear, infected plants should be removed immediately to prevent spreading to healthy plants.
Monitoring also helps farmers implement specific preventive measures, such as using pest traps, applying botanical pesticides, or adjusting plant spacing for better airflow. Ideally, monitoring should be conducted every 2-3 days, especially during the rainy season or when conditions favor pest and disease growth.
With routine monitoring, timely preventive and control actions can be taken to maintain spinach health and improve productivity.
8. Harvesting Spinach at Noon

Harvesting spinach during the hottest part of the day, especially in high temperatures, can cause leaves to wilt quickly due to excessive moisture loss. Wilted spinach looks less fresh, reducing its market value and appeal.
To maintain spinach quality, harvest in the morning before the sun is too intense or in the late afternoon when temperatures drop. During these times, humidity is higher, keeping the harvested spinach fresh and extending its shelf life.
Besides timing, the harvesting method also matters. Ensure that spinach is carefully cut or pulled to avoid damaging the plants if harvested progressively. After harvesting, spinach should be cleaned of soil and packed properly to maintain its freshness until it reaches consumers.
9. Not Practicing Crop Rotation

Continuously planting spinach in the same field can lead to the accumulation of pests and diseases that affect subsequent crops. To break this cycle, crop rotation is recommended, where spinach is alternated with other plant families.
Leguminous crops are highly recommended for crop rotation as they can fix nitrogen into the soil, replenishing nutrients for the next spinach planting.
Conclusion
Easy to grow and quick to harvest, spinach is a must-try vegetable for beginner gardeners. Understanding common mistakes can make a significant difference in achieving a bountiful spinach harvest.
However, remember that gardening is a continuous learning process. Don’t hesitate to experiment, improve, and enhance your skills by reading more articles on Kebunindo! ๐ฑ