How to Transplant Leggy Spinach
Ideally, spinach seedlings are short, leafy and compact; this is a sign of good lighting conditions. If the seedlings are grown in poor light, the spinach will become leggy. Leggy refers to tall, weak seedlings with thin stalks. Do not pluck and discard leggy spinach. While the seedlings may not seem healthy, you can transplant them. To transplant leggy spinach, the seedlings need a small amount of extra care, but they will produce healthy adult plants. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Potting soil
- Compost
- Peat moss
- Hand trowel
- Spoon or butter knife
- Sharp scissors
Instructions
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Select a location to plant the spinach seedlings, either in a container or in the ground. The area must receive at least six hours of sunlight per day. Fill the container with potting soil or dig up 6 inches of dirt from the in-ground planting bed and replace it with potting soil.
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2
Lay 1/2-inch layer of compost and 1/2-inch layer of peat moss over the top of the potting soil.
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3
Use a hand trowel or your hands to mix the compost and peat moss into the soil about 3 inches deep. The enriched soil will provide the spinach with nutrients and enhance its flavor.
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4
Moisten the soil the leggy spinach seedlings are currently in one day before you plan to transplant them. Wait to plant them until the danger of frost has passed for the season. Ideally, you should transplant the leggy spinach on a cloudy day.
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Use a spoon or butter knife to loosen the moist soil around the leggy spinach’s roots, taking care not to break them.
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Dig a hole slightly deeper than the seedling’s roots in the prepared soil.
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Scoop the seedling out of its current container and place it in the hole. Repeat this with each seedling, spacing them 3 inches apart.
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Remove any weak leaves from each seedling with sharp scissors to encourage compact growth.
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Gently push the soil around the roots of each seedling, up to its stem, to provide support. Pat the soil with your fingertips to pack it lightly.
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Thoroughly water the seedlings, soaking the soil.
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Water the spinach whenever the soil begins to dry. Never allow the soil to dry completely, as this will cause the spinach to go to seed.
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Tips & Warnings
You can find potting soil, compost and peat moss at your local gardening store.
The spinach plants will mature and be ready to harvest in approximately 50 to 70 days.
References
- Photo Credit Zedcor Wholly Owned/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
