Is spinach suitable for container gardening?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Spinach can flourish in container gardens when the conditions are right. Ensure that your pots are at least 6 inches deep for your spinach, allowing its roots to develop properly. I grow spinach on my apartment balcony every year. Because spinach is susceptible to root rot, with proper drainage in your pots, rooting your spinach will be fine if you water it frequently enough to keep it evenly moist.
Pot Requirements
- Minimum 6 inch depth for root growth
- 12-18 inch width for multiple plants
- Essential drainage holes at base
- Material: plastic retains moisture, terracotta breathes
Soil Mix Composition
- Equal parts potting soil, compost, perlite
- Maintain pH 6.5-7.0 with lime adjustment
- Add slow-release fertilizer at planting
- Top with moisture-retaining coconut coir
Variety Selection
- Choose shallow-rooted types like 'Baby Leaf'
- Bolt-resistant 'Space' for warm locations
- Compact 'Melody' for small containers
- Avoid deep-rooted savoy varieties
Be sure to position containers wisely. Plant them in places that receive 4-6 hours of sunlight. Move your pots each day for even growth patterns. If your plants are on wheeled plant stands, it makes it easier to move them around when temperatures vary. I move my containers into the shade when the conditions get really hot in the summer afternoons.
Water container spinach more often than garden bed spinach. Soil dries more rapidly in pots. Check your moisture level by putting your finger in the soil to a depth of two inches. Water until you see moisture draining from the bottom of the pot. I use self-watering pots during vacation periods.
Regularly but moderately fertilize your plants! Container plants utilize nutrients much quickly than landscape plants. To support growth, apply a *balanced liquid fertilizer* every 10 days during the growing period. If the crop is intended for fresh consumption, stop fertilizer applications two weeks before harvest. I alternate fish emulsion and seaweed extracts.
Take precautions to guard against extreme temperatures. Bring the containers inside when it is 25°F or below. Use shade cloth when the outside temperature is above 75°F. Wrap pots in bubble wrap if frost is coming that night. I overwinter spinach inside my garage under grow lights.
When harvesting, employ a method called cut-and-come-again. Cut back the outer leaves at the base of the plants. Leave the central crown intact, and the plant will regrow more outer leaves. Each container of spinach typically yields 3-4 harvests before replanting is necessary. Personally, I succession plant my new containers every 3 weeks.
Read the full article: When to Plant Spinach for Best Results
