Which fertilizer works best for spinach?
Written by
Kiana Okafor
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Selecting the right fertilizer lets you grow sweet spinach. I use compost tea or other organic mixes to avoid the yucky-tasting bitter spinach. I stay away from fertilizer made up of mostly nitrogen, for obvious reasons! When the feeding is done properly, you will grow sweet leaves!
Application Methods
- Compost tea: Apply every 3 weeks as soil drench
- Fish emulsion: Dilute 1:4 with water monthly
- Aged compost: Side-dress plants 1 inch thick
Timing Schedule
- First feeding: 2 weeks after germination
- Pre-harvest boost: 1 week before cutting
- Post-harvest recovery: After each regrowth
Soil Maintenance
- Test pH monthly maintain 6.5-7.5 range
- Add lime if below 6.5
- Mix sulfur if above 7.5
Chemical fertilizers (especially those with a high nitrogen content) promote rapid growth, which may result in poor-tasting, weak plants. I only use organic alternatives for growing healthy spinach that has a wonderful taste and texture.
Apply compost tea every three weeks during the growth period. Brew it for 24 to 48 hours. Do not dilute until ready to pour directly onto the soil around the plants. I make my first application early in the morning to ensure optimal absorption. Your spinach is put on pretty thick with those dark green leaves!
Fish emulsion provides a quick nitrogen boost with no bitterness, Drench with a half-strength solution. After watering, otherwise you'll burn the roots. I use it monthly during the peak season. You'll notice that the crops you pick regrow faster.
Maintain soil pH between 6.5 and 7.5 for nutrient uptake. Test monthly with simple kits. Adjust with lime or sulfur gradually. I retest after two weeks. Your plants access nutrients efficiently.
Too much fertilizer is much worse than too little food. Dark green leaves with burned tips are signs that you're overdoing it. If you notice these symptoms, flush the soil immediately. I weigh everything I put in to minimize damage and promote maximum production.
Read the full article: How to Grow Spinach: Ultimate Gardening Guide
