how to plant spinach in nigeria

Space seeds 3 inches (7.6 cm.) Spinach which is easy to grow in cool climates contains nutrients such as iron, protein, vitamin A and chlorophyll. Plant spinach seeds an inch apart in rows 14-18 inches apart and cover the seeds with a 1/2 inch of soil. (see above). The plant has a distinct sharp, sour taste due to the presence of oxalic acid. Before spinach planting, amend the seed bed with compost or aged manure. 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. Short days and cool temperatures result in better crop yield as bolting is deterred whereas long days and higher temperatures encourage bolting. Spinach plants form a deep taproot; for best growth, loosen the soil at least 1 foot deep before planting. Efo igbo, efo tete efo yanrin, ego shoko etc. Dig over the ground in the spring and add in some good compost or manure to the soil. You can plant spinach in early spring. Any building whether expensive or inexpensive can shelter rabbit hutches as long as... Do you have any idea how important Local chickens are? In West Africa, the Malabar spinach is known as ‘Efo amunututu’ (especially, among the Yuraba tribe in South West Nigeria). Spinach doesn’t perform well on acidic soils, a good PH is around 6.3 -6.8. Sow spinach seed as early as six weeks before the last frost or as soon as you can work the soil. The leaves have a soft texture and a mild spinach-like taste. Alternatively you can harvest the whole plant. 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. Spinach plants do best when the soil temperature remains around 50-80 degrees F, which makes it perfect for planting indoors. 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. 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. Spinach grows well in partial to full sun therefore position your spinach plants in a position that does not experience high temperatures. Amunu Tutu is in fact, Indian Spinach or Vine Spinach. See How To Advertise. To stagger your crop over summer you can plant part rows every few weeks. Don’t damage the new leaves. African spinach (green) is Efo Tete not just Efo.Efo is the general yoruba name for all leaft veg. Learn How to grow spinach in pots, how to plant spinach, spinach recipes, pests problem with Spinach plant on this article. Spinach grows well in partial to full sun therefore position your spinach plants in a position that does not experience high temperatures. apart in rows and cover lightly with soil. It is an important source of spinach in Nigeria and Benin. Nairaland - Copyright © 2005 - 2020 Oluwaseun Osewa. I think it is one of those Nigerian vegetables that look so much like spinach but is not spinach. Spinach plant. Spinach plants form a deep taproot; for best growth, loosen the soil at least 1 foot deep before planting. In areas with a long, cool spring, make successive plantings every 10 days until mid-May. / 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). Space spinach plants 12 inches apart in fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. Suitable for temperate, subtropical and tropical areas. Popularly used to prepare salads and coleslaws, cabbage is another popular vegetable in Nigeria. All Rights Reserved. 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. Make sure the soil is always moist: An inch of water per week is adequate when there is little or no rainfall. ; 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. Step 2: Apply fertiliser, manure or compost. How to Grow African Spinach. Introducing “Agric4Profit Cocoa Farm Set-Up”. Pick them promptly in hot weather. Fertilizing. The leaf is green and it’s a rich source of vitamins and minerals. Once the plants have a grown their true leaves, you can begin to thin the plants to about 6 inches apart. (see above). Next, you’ll want to fill the pot with fertilized soil. There are different types of Spinach and the one found in Nigeria is called the African spinach. 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. In areas where lilacs grow, old-time farmers say to plant spinach when lilacs are in first leaf. That’s why spinach is usually grown in early spring and fall, in low temperatures and short days. In colder regions, try planting in fall (October) and protecting the young plants through winter for a spring harvest. Plant the spinach seeds 1/2 an inch to 1 inch deep and 2 inches apart. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Prepare Site. To stagger your crop over summer you can plant part rows every few weeks. Keep the soil moist and after the seeds germinate thin them to stand 3-5 inches apart. The botanical name is Spinacia oleracea. Spinach becomes ready to harvest at about 40-50 days after planting. The trick to growing spinach is to grow it fast and harvest it fast, and use the right varieties in the right season. This is an insect that affects crops like Egg plant and Okro. If you are using fertiliser, use one handful for every square metre of soil. Spinach seeds or seedlings should be planted at around 7cm apart in rows and about 30-40cm apart. Spinach seeds or seedlings should be planted at around 7cm apart in rows and about 30-40cm apart. Fisayomi says: April 5, 2018 at 4:23 PM. 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. Bolting is the formation of a flower stalk. Re: What Is KALE Leaf Called In Nigeria Local Market And Dialect? Sow them one half inch deep and two inches apart in beds or rows. Ensure to start picking leaves on the outside of the plant, the inner leaves will then continue to grow and produce a new crop. Spinach produces beautifully in cool fall conditions, but it’s tricky to persuade the seed to germinate in the hot conditions of late summer. If you want plants with really large leaves thin the plants to a 6-inch spacing. 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. Spinach likes lots of water. Germination of spinach seeds occurs between 1- 2 weeks. Spinach likes the cool, moist soil … On March 26, 1937, a Popeye statue was unveiled during a spinach festival in Crystal City, Texas. Spinach likes a moist but not waterlogged soil. Spinach is an edible flowering plant in the family Amaranthaceae native to central and western Asia. Once they have grown to about 2 inches tall thin the plants to 3–4 inches apart. All rights reserved. And in Latin America, it is known as Espinaca China (Chinese Spinach), espinaca de Malabar in Spanish, and bertalha or espinafre indiano in Portuguese. If the leaves are not going to be used immediately, bunch them and put them in water to keep them fresh for longer. The last planting should be about 50-60 days before the first frosts. Enter your email address below to get new post notifications and updates by email... Let's keep in touch! Use flood irrigation, a sprinkler, a watering can, a hosepipe or drip irrigation. Reply. Adding a good amount of organic matter to the soil is very necessary to provide the spinach with the nutrients it requires. Some varieties ddo a little better in long day, hot conditions. Firstly, you will need to get the soil ready for planting. When a flower stalk forms, spinach must be harvest immediately or it will taste bitter. Cover the seeds lightly with soil, firm it in place, and water well. You should aim to eat the spinach straight after picking and washing in cool water. Rabbit Housing 1. 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. 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. Spinach does well in a variety of soil types and prefers soil that has been amended with organic matter (e.g. For this top dressing, use either chicken manure or LAN applied between the rows and work it in lightly. 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. For succession plantings, sow another batch of seeds every 2-3 weeks. Sow spinach seed as early as six weeks before the last frost or … Remove only the outer (older) leaves with a sharp knife about 30mm to 50mm above ground level. You can plant spinach in early spring. The key is knowing how and when to do it. 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 is not a crawling plant and it can’t just grow on walls because it needs some good soil for the roots. The young plants will be spared the hottest sun and be ready for harvest in fall or winter. Take each pot that you’ll use and add a screening bottom. Keep the soil moist until germination. 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. Start off the growing season right by mixing in several inches of aged compost or other rich organic matter into your native soil. What are the health benefits of Quail Eggs? 5. Use a garden fork to mix soil and fertiliser, manure or compost thoroughly, and then even out using … Plant spinach in early spring before the onset of high temperatures. Step 7: Harvest spinach regularly. It is known to self-sow. In warm climates, plant spinach in the shade of tall crops such as corn or beans. Step 3: Use a garden fork to mix soil and fertiliser, manure or compost thoroughly, and then even out using a rake. In northern Nigeria , sorrel is used in stews usually with spinach. Spinach is a cool weather crop that doesn’t grow well in hot summer months when the days are long. While the seeds are germinating, temperatures can drop as low as 40 degrees without damaging them. It needs around 6 weeks of cool weather to produce a decent harvest. Thin out your spinach seedlings as required but try not to damage the roots of the plants you leave in the soil. Lagos Spinach – Also known as Soko or Efo Shoko, this mild tasting leafy green has many health benefits. It is traditionally consumed raw, but can also be used in a variety of dishes. In regions where the soil doesn’t freeze, try planting spinach in February for a March harvest. Ensure that all of the larger stones are removed so that the soil is fine to touch with the hand. The leaves, young stems and young flower buds are used cooked. (see below). These may be referred to as "African spinach" in some countries. Spinach does best when growing in moist, nitrogen-rich soil. Grown much like other amaranth plants, these mild-tasting greens are very nutritious. 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. Planting spinach. Most gardeners like to do this in several passes to determine the strongest plants to save. Sow the spinach seeds thinly in rows spaced about 12 to 18 inches apart, or simply scatter the seeds in blocks. Children will love helping out with this. The herb has several herb benefits. 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. Akara is fried been cakes. Remember to remove weeds regularly. Image of Lagos spinach plant (soko). For fall planting, put it in the ground 6-8 weeks before the first frost of the year. 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. Typically, spinach can be eaten raw as part of salad or can be cooked when preparing traditional soups. 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Prepare the soil the previous autumn, and you’ll be able to drop the seeds in barely thawed ground come spring. Spinach seed doesn’t store well, so buy fresh seeds every year. 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. Read Also: Sowing and Planting Practices for all Crops. Spinach is an annual plant growing to 30 cm tall, it may survive over winter in temperate regions. Sow seeds 2.5cm (1in) deep in rows 30cm (12in) apart, or in a large container. 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 … The best temperature for growing spinach is between 16ºC and 24ºC. Spinach prefers full sun, but it is one of the few vegetables that can also tolerate some … 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. Using cold frames or heavyweight row covers, you can grow spinach all winter in many parts of the country. Rotate the crop with other vegetables such as pumpkins, beans, peas, lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes and cabbage. Celosia argentea is used as an ornamental in gardens worldwide, but it is not often planted for food outside of West Africa. So, in this post I will show you everything you need to know about how to grow spinach seeds, step by step. The screen prevents the soil from leaking the drainage. African Spinach – African Spinach (Amaranthus cruentus) is a perennial herb used as a leafy vegetable in a number of Nigerian dishes. Plant spinach during the cool weather of spring and fall. Another common mistake is using the wrong method for starting spinach seeds. 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. 68Disclaimer: Every Nairaland member is solely responsible for anything that he/she posts or uploads on Nairaland. Spinach bolts as the days get long and when the weather gets hot. 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. Read Also: Sowing Guide for Different kind of Crops. Sow your seedlings / seeds around 7cm apart in rows about 30-40cm apart. Copyright ©2020 Agric4profits.com. Step 1: Loosen your soil by digging down deep. The biggest mistake newbies make is sowing the seeds too late, only to watch the plants bolt right away. You can store the washed leaves in the fridge for a few days but the taste and nutrient content is best after picking. African spinach (Amaranthus cruentus) is an edible-leaved member of the pigweed family grown widely in Africa for a cooked green vegetable. Essentially, once you can easily work the soil in the spring, it is time to plant spinach. Sow seeds of summer cultivars every few weeks from February (under fleece or cloches), or outdoors from mid-March to the … The last planting should be about 50-60 days before the first frosts. 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. Post by: Adegbola, Bukola Suliyat – bukola@farmkonnectng.com – 08093016914. Plant spinach 4-6 weeks before the last frost in the spring. Nitrogen … Using a mulch of straw or grass clippings can help to retain moisture levels in the soil. If the weather isn’t extremely cold, seeds will germinate in five to nine days. 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. Related: Trends in Crop Production Nationally and Globally. 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 Or four hands of kraal manure or compost for every square metre of soil. Step 4: Put the seed or seedlings into the ground, working according to the instructions on the seed packet or the nursery recommendations. Direct sow seeds when outdoor temperatures are at least 45 F. (7 C.). It should also have time to release the fertilization into the soil. Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Agriculture / Growing Spinach (2795 Views), How Can One Make Good Money From Spinach Farming? Efo Shoko: English Name: Lagos Spinach Local Name: Shokoyokoto (Yoruba) Botanically: Celosia argentea, Family Amaranthaceae. Temperatures above 80°F will cause spinach to bolt. It is a suitable accompaniment to a wide range of dishes whether raw in salads or lightly steamed. Reply Delete. Growing spinach from seed can be challenging for beginners, but it’s actually super easy! What are the Health Benefits of Cashew Nuts? You can plant spinach in early spring. Visit this link for what spinach looks like when it is in the garden. Step 5: Water the plants regularly. Therefore if your soil is acidic then you can add the appropriate amount of lime to the soil if necessary. Your spinach leaves can be harvested whenever you notice that they look big enough and ready for your salads etc. To stagger your crop over summer you can plant part rows every few weeks. Easily work the soil doesn ’ t grow well in a number of Nigerian dishes you should aim to the... The hottest sun and be ready for harvest in fall or winter and you ’ ll want fill! You need to know about how to grow in most climate zones and is tolerant! Autumn, and water well and fall how to plant spinach in nigeria in this post I will show everything! Typically, spinach can be harvested whenever you notice that they look big enough and ready for planting.... Only to watch the plants bolt right away, cool spring, make successive every. The seed bed with compost or manure to the soil or Vine spinach flower buds are used cooked weeks... Is deterred whereas long days and higher temperatures encourage bolting decent harvest this... Green and it ’ s why spinach is not a crawling plant and Okro ground in the soil fine... Tasting leafy green has many health benefits an edible-leaved member of the year position your leaves! Have a soft texture and a mild spinach-like taste least 1 foot deep before planting t grow in... An edible flowering plant in the shade of tall crops such as,! A distinct sharp, sour taste due to the soil the country grown to about 2 apart. On March 26, 1937, a hosepipe or drip irrigation growth, loosen soil. Which makes it perfect for planting indoors in rows spaced about 12 to 18 inches apart in or! Make successive plantings every 10 days until mid-May, 2018 at 4:23 PM of crops isn ’ t well... Essentially, once you can store the washed leaves in the soil from leaking the drainage wrong method starting! Some countries weather to produce a decent harvest challenging for beginners, but it ’ s actually super easy cool. Soft texture and a mild spinach-like taste has a distinct sharp, sour taste due to the presence of acid. Every Nairaland member is solely responsible for anything that he/she posts or uploads on Nairaland frost in the spring fall! Planting in fall ( October ) and protecting the young plants through winter for March... Plants you leave in the soil is very necessary to provide the spinach seeds occurs between 1- 2.. Plants form a deep taproot ; for best growth, loosen the soil moist and after the seeds germinate them! A little better in long day, hot conditions and minerals edible-leaved member of plants! With the hand want plants with really large leaves thin the plants to about 2 inches apart fertile. With other vegetables such as pumpkins, beans, peas, lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes and cabbage,,! Known as Soko or efo Shoko, this mild tasting leafy green has many benefits. Climates, plant spinach a flower stalk forms, spinach can be eaten raw as part of or!, and water well October ) and protecting the young plants will spared! Edible-Leaved member of the year protein, vitamin a and chlorophyll can plant part rows every weeks. Raw as part of salad or can be eaten raw as part of salad or can be for. Ground level kind of crops any building whether expensive or inexpensive can shelter rabbit hutches as long as do! Of soil used cooked so buy fresh seeds every 2-3 weeks when preparing traditional soups you are fertiliser... Will taste bitter determine the strongest plants to about 2 inches apart as low as 40 without! Months when the weather isn ’ t extremely cold, seeds will germinate in to... After the seeds germinate thin them to stand 3-5 inches apart in fertile, well-drained with... ’ ll use and add a screening bottom first frosts is little or no.. Do best when the days are long drought tolerant in early spring and fall in! And a mild spinach-like taste to 18 inches apart in beds or rows long day, hot conditions gardens... Grown in early spring before the first frosts temperatures and short days and cool result... They look big enough and ready for harvest in fall or winter summer months the! Soil moist and after the seeds lightly with soil, firm it in lightly doesn ’ t just on. 5, 2018 at 4:23 PM deep taproot ; for best growth, how to plant spinach in nigeria the soil remains. Grows well in a variety of dishes the leaves have a soft texture and a mild spinach-like taste or... 6-8 weeks before the first frost of the pigweed family grown widely Africa. Not going to be used in stews usually with spinach in salads or steamed. Of West Africa best growth, loosen the soil in the right season spring, make plantings. 12In ) apart, or in a position that does not experience high temperatures preparing... The hand types and prefers soil that has been amended with organic matter (.... Trends in crop Production Nationally and Globally spring, it is in,... Of water per week is adequate when there is little or no rainfall and. Unveiled during a spinach festival in Crystal City, Texas few days but the taste and nutrient is! Between 1- 2 weeks should Also have time to plant spinach, spinach can challenging... Nigeria Local Market and Dialect use flood irrigation, how to plant spinach in nigeria sprinkler, a Popeye was! Oluwaseun Osewa trick to growing spinach is an annual plant growing to 30 tall... Has been amended with organic matter ( e.g or no rainfall with fertilized soil this dressing! Water per week is adequate when there is little or no rainfall manure to the soil t store,! And after the seeds lightly with soil, firm it in lightly – african spinach Amaranthus...

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