How to prepare soil for spinach?

Prepare the soil thoroughly for strong spinach growth. Lightly till to a 12-inch depth to loosen compacted soil, allowing roots to spread easily. (I like to use broadforks for this to aerate the soil grain better and not destroy the structure.

Finally, always level the soil evenly, as it is now, for even moisture distribution. With the rake, make the bed smooth and level. Slopes let drainage away faster, but I do not make steep inclines. During very wet periods, I create small mounds, which will make your watering more effective.

You want a sandy loam texture for well-draining and moisture-holding soils. Take a handful of soil, squeeze it. If it holds shape, good; if not, it's too dry. Now crumble it out. If it doesn't crumble, sprinkle sand on clay soils and compost on sandier ones, then mix well. I test this in all my plots every spring before sowing.

To balance the pH from 6.5 to 7.5, use a simple test kit. Spinach plants absorb nutrients poorly outside of that range. If the pH is too acidic, add lime over several weeks to adjust it. After a rain event, retest the pH level. The plants will adequately absorb minerals.

By mixing organic compost into the top eight Inches of soil, you use well-rotted manure or plant-based compost, avoiding the use of fresh manure, to prevent burning your root system. By combining the two, you create a nutrient-rich growing medium.

Before planting, thoroughly water the prepared bed to ensure moisture penetrates at least six inches deep. Allow the moisture to settle for two days before sowing any seeds. You should begin planting your seeds once the soil is workable, but not overly damp or dry. Spinach establishes a strong root system quickly.

Read the full article: How to Grow Spinach: Ultimate Gardening Guide