![]() ![]() WaterĪlthough the flavor is best with consistent moisture, New Zealand spinach will still do well with little water without causing plants to bolt or producing a bitter taste. Row covers make it possible to place plants outside before the last frost date, thereby extending the harvest season because of getting an early start. Hot caps, plastic tunnels, and fabric covers can protect seedlings and transplants from cool air temperatures. Grass clippings, leaves, or shredded newspaper are other mulch options. Lay black plastic down in rows, covering the edges with soil, then punch holes in the plastic and plant seeds or transplant previously started plants. Plastic is a good mulch because it can increase the soil temperature and make it possible to plant at an earlier date. Mulches help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. When plants are 1-2 inches tall, thin to 12 inches apart. Plant in rows 3 feet apart, with seeds 2 inches apart within the row. The soil should be kept moist until the seedlings begin to emerge. Seeds should be planted ½ inch deep in fine soil. Seedlings can be transplanted when they are 1-2 inches tall. Seeds take up to 2 or 3 weeks to emerge and do not emerge uniformly. New Zealand spinach germinates slowly, but soaking the seeds in water for 24 hours before planting hastens germination. Or plant seeds inside 3-4 weeks before the last frost date, and transplant after the danger of frost has passed. Seeds can be directly sown after frost danger has passed. If you fertilize with compost, apply no more than 1 inch of well-composted organic matter per 100 square feet of garden area. If fertilizer applications are warranted, work the fertilizer into the top 6 inches of soil. Soil Preparationīefore planting, determine fertilizer needs with a soil test and then follow the recommendations given with the test report. However, in Utah’s typical alkaline soils, New Zealand spinach will still grow well. New Zealand spinach prefers welldrained, sandy soils that are rich in organic matter, with a pH ranging from 6.8 to 7.0. However, occasionally the variety Maori is listed. Most sources offer only the generic species, Tetragonia tetragonoides. Leaves should be harvested frequently to encourage new, lush growth. Mulches also help with weed control and retaining soil moisture. Mulches and row covers can help in starting plants outside earlier. Fertilize frequently with a high nitrogen fertilizer. Although New Zealand spinach is drought tolerant, water consistently for the best flavor. ![]() Space plants 3 feet between rows, and every 12 inch after thinning within rows. Plant seeds ½ inch deep in loose, fertile soil that has had organic matter incorporated prior to planting. Seeds should not be planted directly outside until after the last frost date, or start transplants inside 3-4 weeks prior to the last frost. Soak seeds in water for 24 hours prior to planting to hasten germination. New Zealand spinach is a warm season alternative to regular spinach that does well in hot, dry conditions. ![]()
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