This article focuses on spinach farming in Kenya. Spinach is one of the most profitable vegetables to grow in Kenya. Its widely grown in the country because of its high nutritional value and succulent edible green leaves.
Ecological Conditions for Growing Spinach
- Temperature of 4- 16°c.
- Fertile and well-drained soil with a pH of 6.4-7.
- Full sunlight.
- Spinach can withstand harsh conditions depending on the variety grown.
Propagation and Planting
Propagation of spinach is by seeds which are first raised in a nursery bed before being transplanted after 4-5 weeks. The seeds germinate after 5-7 days.
The nursery bed is prepared by raising furrow-like lines for sowing the seeds. After sowing the seeds, cover the furrow-like lines with thin soil which should be drenched with a mixture of optimizer, loyalty 700 wdg and pyramid 700 wp 100g.
Transplanting
As mentioned earlier, the seeds raised in a nursery bed are ready for transplanting after about 4-5 weeks.
It is advisable to wet the seedlings about an hour before transplanting to prevent root damage.
Field Management Practices
Mulching
Mulching should be done to aid in eradicating weeds and to keep the soil moist.
Thinning
Thinning is necessary once the seedlings sprout to 2 inches. It ensures proper air circulation within the crops.
Crop rotation
Crop rotation is also necessary to avoid the build-up of pests and diseases such as aphids, cutworms, spinach crown mite, leaf miners, armyworms, damping off disease, leaf spot, downy mildew, fusarium wilt and anthracnose.
Crop rotation can be done with crops such as legumes, tomatoes, lettuce… etc.
Fertiliser Application
Basal fertilisers such as CAN, DAP and NPK can be applied to supply the spinach with the necessary nutrients.
Other fertilisers such as Lavender 20ml/20l or Goldchance super growth 50g/20l can be sprayed after transplanting to supply the plant with phosphorus which is good for root development.
Harvesting of Spinach
Spinach is ready for harvesting once it has attained the desired number of leaves and size. This is about 5 weeks after transplanting.
Harvesting is done by cutting or plucking the outer leaves and leaving the inner leaves to continue producing. Alternatively, you can harvest the whole plant at once.
One acre of land can yield 10-30 tons of spinach depending on the variety grown and climatic conditions.
The Market for Spinach in Kenya
Spinach is a popular vegetable in Kenya with high demand. It can be sold in open-air markets, supermarkets, groceries, and institutions such as schools, hospitals, restaurants and hotels.
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