SPINACH – पालक (24 gm)

How to grow Spinach (Palak)

1️⃣ Climate

Spinach grows best in cool weather

Ideal temperature: 10–25°C

In Punjab:

Best time: October to February

It can also grow in mild spring

2️⃣ Soil

Soil should be loose and fertile

Best soil: Loamy soil

pH: 6.0 – 7.5

Mix well-decomposed cow dung / vermicompost before sowing

3️⃣ Seed selection

Use good quality, open-pollinated seeds

Seed rate:

4–5 kg per acre

For home garden: small handful is enough

4️⃣ Sowing method

Spinach is direct sown (no nursery)

Sowing depth: 1–2 cm

Row to row distance: 20–25 cm

Plant to plant: 5–7 cm

After sowing, cover lightly with soil

5️⃣ Watering

First irrigation: immediately after sowing

Keep soil moist, not waterlogged

Water every 5–7 days in winter

Avoid standing water 🚫

6️⃣ Fertilizer (simple way)

Before sowing:

Cow dung compost: 8–10 tons/acre

After first cutting:

Light dose of vermicompost or jeevamrit

Too much nitrogen = more leaves but less taste

7️⃣ Weeding

First weeding after 15–20 days

Keep field clean for better growth

8️⃣ Harvesting

First cutting: 25–30 days after sowing

Cut leaves 5 cm above ground

You can take 2–3 cuttings

Regular cutting gives more leaves

9️⃣ Common problems

Leaf miners → neem oil spray

Aphids → soap water / neem spray

Yellow leaves → water stress or nutrient issue

10️⃣ Yield (approx.)

80–120 quintal per acre
(depending on variety and care)