Spinach is one of the most widely planted and consumed vegetables in Kenya. Spinach farming necessitates proper spinach handling in order to maximize yields. The type of spinach grown and the size of the land will determine yields. This article discusses the yield of spinach on an acre of land in Kenya.
Spinach can yield up to 10 to 30 tons per acre of land under proper care in Kenya. The yield of spinach depends on the variety of spinach planted and how you manage the plant through following the recommended guidelines on how to plant spinach.
The spinach yield per acre near Nairobi is 30,000 kg. A lot of residents in Nairobi have taken up spinach farming as a way of earning a living and improving food security. A single spinach plant can yield up to 48 kg of spinach in a single season. Most of the spinach is sold in Nairobi, mainly to consumers.
Spinach Yield Per Plant
The amount of spinach produced per plant is determined by factors such as soil fertility, proper spacing, and climatic conditions. This is due to the fact that on a crowded farm, spinach cannot provide both quality and high yields. A single spinach plant produces about four to six spinach leaves per harvest.
The spinach yield per hectare depends on the farm management carried out by the farmer. Additionally, it will depend on the weather conditions. Therefore, the spinach yield per hectare is, on average, 20 to 30 tons.
If you leave the crown to grow, you can harvest spinach three to four times per season, depending on the climate and growing conditions of the spinach.
6 Tips to Increase Spinach Yield Per Acre in Kenya
1. Weeding
Weeding spinach crops helps keep pests and diseases at bay while also reducing competition for soil nutrients, water, and sunlight.
2. Mulching
Mulching is used to preserve soil moisture, add soil fertility through decomposition, and prevent soil erosion. Mulching also prevents fungal diseases from attacking the plants. Mulching is also a method of controlling weeds on the farm.
3. Fertilizer Application
Apply nitrogen fertilizer and farmyard manure in plenty to stimulate the growth of large and healthy spinach.
4. Correct Spacing
Plant spinach in the space of 30cm between rows and 10cm between one plant and another to allow good growth and development, increasing yield.
5. Watering
Regular but not excessive watering will ensure the soil is moist, especially in areas that receive low rainfall. The seedlings should be watered immediately after planting. Spinach needs a constant supply of water during the germination stage.
Lack of enough water will make your spinach bolt.
6. Pests and Diseases Control
Control pests and diseases by spraying spinach plants with appropriate chemicals to prevent low yield. Additionally, one can use ash from the kitchen to control diseases such as cutworms, especially when the seedlings are still in the nursery or after transplanting.
7. Harvesting
Spinach are ready for harvesting after 40 to 45 days after transplanting. You will know the spinach is ready for harvesting if it has at least eight leaves. A pair of scissors can be used in harvesting the leaves. Start by harvesting the outer leaves.
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