🪴 Step-by-Step Planting Instructions
1️⃣ Soil & Bed Preparation

Soil: Loamy, well-draining, rich in organic matter

pH: Between 6.5 and 7.5

Add compost or well-rotted manure before planting

Till or loosen soil 15–20 cm deep

2️⃣ Sowing the Seeds
➤ For Baby Leaf Spinach:

Method: Broadcast or sow in rows

Spacing:

Scatter densely or sow in rows 5–10 cm apart

Thin only if too dense

Depth: 1–1.5 cm deep

Lightly cover with soil and gently firm it down

➤ For Mature Spinach Plants:

Spacing:

Sow seeds 5–8 cm apart

Rows 25–30 cm apart

Thin to 10–15 cm between plants after germination

3️⃣ Watering

Keep soil consistently moist

Water gently every 1–2 days (more if dry weather)

Avoid overhead watering late in the day to prevent disease

4️⃣ Fertilizing (Optional)

If soil is poor, use:

Balanced fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10) sparingly

Or liquid compost tea every 2–3 weeks

5️⃣ Pest & Disease Control

Common pests: Aphids, leaf miners, slugs

Solutions:

Use row covers early

Neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed

Avoid waterlogged soil to prevent rot

6️⃣ Harvesting
✅ Baby Leaves:

Ready in 25–30 days

Cut 5–10 cm leaves with scissors

Leave roots intact for regrowth (cut-and-come-again)

✅ Mature Plants:

Ready in 40–50 days

Harvest outer leaves first, or pull whole plant

🔁 Succession Planting

Sow every 10–14 days for a continuous harvest

Stop or slow planting in hot weather; spinach bolts easily in heat

🌿 Extra Tips

Pre-soak seeds 6–12 hours before planting to speed up germination

Spinach prefers cool soil — plant in early spring or late summer

You can grow in raised beds or containers as well