This is the complete guide to Spinach Farming in Kenya for you to start and grow your spinach farm. Whether for commercial or home use, we aim to answer all questions about Spinach Farming in Kenya in this guide. Before you start Spinach Cultivation in Kenya, there are a few questions you often ask yourself. Some of these questions about Spinach Production in Kenya include:
• What is the profitability of Spinach Farming in Kenya?
• How long does spinach take to ripen?
• Does spinach grow back after being cut?
• How do you prune or harvest spinach to grow it?
• What is the best fertilizer for spinach?
• What diseases affect spinach?
- Spinach Nutritional and Health Benefits - Spinach Farming in Kenya
- Spinach Varieties in Kenya.
- Starting Spinach Farming in Kenya.
- How Profitable is Spinach Farming in Kenya.
- What Is the Spacing Spinach Farming in Kenya.
- What Is the Best Fertilizer for Spinach.
- Crop Management
- Spinach Yield per Hectare.
- Pests and Diseases.
- Maturity, Harvesting & Post-Harvest Handling
- Market for Spinach - Spinach Farming in Kenya
- Costs and Profits for growing spinach in Kenya
- Conclusion - Spinach Farming in Kenya
- Frequently Asked Questions
Spinach Nutritional and Health Benefits - Spinach Farming in Kenya
Spinach Farming in Kenya is among the most profitable vegetables grown in Kenya due to its nutritional and health benefits.
1. Spinach is a leafy green vegetable rich in vitamins and nutrients and ranked among the most nutritious vegetables according to the Nutritional Rankings of Fruits and Vegetables.
2. Spinach helps lower blood pressure and protect against heart disease, may help prevent cancer, improve eye health and protect eyes from sun damage, fight diabetes and promote skin health skin and hair.
3. Spinach is enjoyed cooked and can also be eaten raw.
Spinach Production in Kenya
Advantages Spinach Farming in Kenya - Spinach Farming in Kenya
Just like many other Money-Making ventures, growing spinach also has many benefits. Here we try to describe the main benefits of Spinach Farming in Kenya commercially.
1. Spinach Farming in Kenya is very easy and simple. Even beginners can also start this business without much effort.
2. Large-scale Spinach Farming in Kenya is very profitable and a great way to generate a good income.
3. The Spinach Farming in Kenya is already an established activity. Thus, you don't have to worry too much about starting and running this business.
4. Spinach plants are very strong and sturdy and grow very quickly. Therefore, you will get back your invested money in a very short time.
5. The demand and value of spinach are very good in the market. Thus, you will be able to make a good profit from this business.
6. As Spinach Farming in Kenya is profitable, it can be a great source of employment for people (especially educated but unemployed people).
7. Spinach Farming in Kenya; Production costs are relatively lower in the commercial spinach sector. But the gains are much greater.
8. Spinach is very nutritious and good for human health, and you can enjoy fresh spinach if you start your own.
Spinach Varieties in Kenya.
Spinach varieties grown in Kenya listed by Veg Farms Kenya include;
Ford Hook Giant is the best variety as it can perform well in a wide range of environmental conditions and is also the most common variety of Swiss chard in Kenya.
Ecological Conditions for Growing Spinach
- Temperature of 4- 16°c.
- Fertile and well-drained soil with a pH of 6.4-7.
- Full sunlight.
- Spinach can withstand harsh conditions depending on the variety grown.
Starting Spinach Farming in Kenya.
Spinach is a tender green vegetable native to Central and Western Asia. It is usually eaten cooked or raw and has a very high nutritional value. Spinach requires fertile, well-drained soils with a pH of 6.4 to 7 and the ecological requirements for spinach are temperatures of around 4 to 16 degrees Celsius, although it can withstand harsher conditions depending on the variety.
Nursery Management
The spinach vegetable is first planted in the nursery before being transplanted. Spinach nurseries are created by lifting the ground and creating rows like rows to plant seeds which are then covered with fine soil. Nursery litter should be properly maintained, watered twice a day, and mulch is also preferred to retain soil moisture.
Over a period of about four to five weeks, when the seedlings have produced true leaves, they can be transplanted into their own field or planting plot. The land to be transplanted must be plowed and harrowed so that the soil has a slight slope and to prevent it from hardening, which can hinder spinach root growth and plant development.
Transplanting
In the plot where the spinach seedlings will be transplanted, dig holes 30 by 30 cm apart in even rows and columns. You should leave space between the lines that you can cross when handling the spinach vegetables. In these holes, add farmyard manure while mixing it with the soil. When planting during the rainy season, continue to transplant spinach plants into each hole, then cover them tightly with soil.
In times of minimal or scarce rainfall, transplant the seedlings in the afternoon and after manure application, add water to each hole repeating the same planting step mentioned above.
Planting Spinach - Spinach Farming in Kenya
After you transplant your spinach plants on the farm, regular farming practices continue for a period of about two weeks as the vegetables adapt. These agricultural practices include;
Step #1 - Loosen the soil by digging deep.
Step #2 – Apply fertilizer, manure or compost. If you use fertilizer, use a handful for every square foot of soil. Or four layers of farmyard manure or compost for every square meter of soil.
Step #3 – Use a garden fork to thoroughly mix the soil and fertilizer, manure or compost, then level with a rake.
Step #4: Place the seeds or seedlings in the ground, following the directions on the seed packet or the nursery's recommendations.
Step #5: Water the plants regularly. Use flood irrigation, sprinkler, watering can, hose or drip irrigation.
Step #6: For optimal harvest, apply the mulch about five weeks later, as spinach needs a lot of nitrogen to grow good quality, large leaves. For this filling, use chicken manure or CAN applied between the rows and pat lightly. Remember to remove weeds regularly.
Step #7: Harvest spinach regularly. Remove only the outer (older) leaves with a sharp knife about 30mm to 50mm above ground level. Does not damage new leaves. If the leaves are not going to be used right away, roll them up and put them in water to keep them fresh longer.
Step #8: Do not plant spinach in the same plot over and over again, as this causes spinach pests and diseases to accumulate in the soil. Alternate the crop with other vegetables like squash, beans, peas, lettuce, tomato, potato and cabbage.
How Profitable is Spinach Farming in Kenya.
Veg Farms Kenya grows the Swiss Card certified ford hook spinach seed variety from East African seed. It is a high yielding spinach variety that one stalk can produce about 48 kg per season.
Many Kenyans would like to know if Spinach Farming in Kenya is profitable, the answer is Yes!. Spinach Farming in Kenya is just as profitable as growing kale.
When planting spinach in Kenya, you don't need more than an acre, even half an acre is enough. One acre will produce spinach which will generate up to 500,000 Ksh for three months. All you need is to get from the available market, especially in hotels. Earlier, Kenyans were not keen on spinach, but today almost everyone is happy to have spinach + meat or spinach plus in a salad.
During drought, people will eat more spinach instead of kale or cabbage. Spinach is sweeter and more delicious, especially when cooked with meat.
I also have a farm where spinach is like a characteristic crop of the land. From December to March, I make a lot of money from sales. With a quarter of an acre, I can earn over Ksh 200,000 in three months. Even in times of drought, spinach will still be available.
What Is the Spacing Spinach Farming in Kenya.
Spinach requires different space depending on weather conditions and the variety of seeds.
“Spinach requires a space of 60cm by 60cm or 45cm by 45cm, depending on the humidity of the place,” explains Veg Farms Kenya. Veg Farms Kenya advises growers in warmer locations to use a spacing of 60cm by 60cm to avoid water stress. Water stress can greatly affect yields as plants tend to produce fewer leaves and roots.
What Is the Best Fertilizer for Spinach.
Veg Farms Kenya also requires farmers to apply NPK fertilizer and lime solution to the soil each time they grow spinach. The NPK helps increase plant growth, while the lime solution helps regulate soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8. It is the best soil pH that allows spinach to thrive and ensures that the nutrients in the compost are properly consumed by the plant.
Depending on the farm's soil fertility, use 200 kg to 400 kg of NPK fertilizer per acre in the ratio 2:3:4. 70 to 90 kg of C.A.N per acre are then applied at four and eight weeks later.
Farmers should be aware that nitrogen should be applied in abundance as it promotes the growth of large, healthy spinach leaves. They take about two months or less to ripen, depending on the different varieties.
Crop Management
Spinach Farming in Kenya Management.
Mulching is essential as it helps retain soil moisture, which is essential for robust plant growth. It also prevents the attack of fungal diseases on plants which are likely to occur when soil particles splash onto plant leaves during irrigation or when it rains.
Mulch – This helps keep the soil moist and suppresses weeds. Decomposed mulch releases nutrients into the soil, which are taken up by the crop. It also helps prevent soil erosion.
Mulching – This is done by adding materials such as grass clippings under the soil to ensure that the spinach plant retains moisture and weeds are also suppressed.
Thinning: When seedlings have grown to about two inches, they should be thinned to 3 to 4 inches. This helps to reduce competition and ensures sufficient air circulation in the crops.
Weeding: Weeds compete with the crop for growth factors such as nutrients and to harbor pests. Therefore, they must be controlled. Since spinach roots are shallow and easily damaged, care should be taken when weeding.
Weeding – This is done by removing unwanted plants growing with spinach to ensure that pests and diseases are avoided and competition for nutrients with plants is also reduced and discouraged.
Watering – This is done by applying water to the plants mainly at night to ensure an adequate and frequent supply of moisture to the spinach vegetable.
Watering - Watering should be done regularly as spinach requires high humidity levels.
Crop Rotation: Spinach should not be planted multiple times in the same plot as this causes spinach pests and diseases to build up in the soil. Rotations should be done with other crops such as beans, peas, lettuce, tomato, potato, etc.
Spinach Yield per Hectare.
The average yield of spinach is 20-30 tons per hectare. Of course, experienced farmers can achieve such high yields after several years of practice. In the case of multiple harvests of the same crop, one can expect 10-15 tons per hectare multiplied by 2 or 3 harvests.
Pests and Diseases.
Unfortunately, spinach plants are often attacked by pests and often suffer from diseases. Knowing the enemies of our local cultures is essential to form an ecologically correct approach and confront them. Before taking action, farmers can consult a local licensed professional to properly control spinach pests and diseases.
Pests Affecting Growing Spinach in Kenya.
Aphids; Aphids are normally the most common enemy of spinach plants. Adults and nymphs feed on plant juices. As a result, we end up with a product that cannot be marketed.
Leaf Miners; They feed mainly on leaves.
Slugs and Snails; both appear very often in soggy soil and attack the leaves. They can even eat the whole plant if we don't handle them properly.
What Diseases Affect Spinach Vegetables?
Mosaic Virus; this virus can infect about 150 different types of vegetables and plants. It can be identified by the discoloration of the leaves. Infected leaves show yellow and white spots. The plant stops growing and slowly dies.
Downy Mildew; It is a disease caused by the pathogen Peronospora farinosa. It can be identified by looking at the leaves. They seem to curl up and have mold and black stumps.
Spinach Blight;; this virus infects the leaves. Infected leaves stop growing and are yellow to brown in color.
Pest and Disease Control - Spinach Farming in Kenya
The best way to control pests and diseases is always prevention, not intervention. Spinach growers should consider the following measures:
1. The use of certified seed is suggested. In most cases, growers will select sprouting and mildew resistant hybrids.
2. Poor seed germination or improper seeding rate will accelerate the negative effects of pests and diseases.
3. Improper fertilization and/or irrigation will hasten the negative effects.
4. Chemical control measures are only permitted after consultation with a local approved agronomist.
5. Crop rotation can be applied to control certain diseases.
Maturity, Harvesting & Post-Harvest Handling
Spinach leaves are ready to harvest once they have reached the desired size.
The whole plant can be harvested all at once (in a clump), or individual leaves can be stripped from the plants, one layer at a time.
Picking only the outer (older) leaves allows the middle/younger leaves to grow, allowing the plant to continue producing. It also offers the advantage of briefly delaying tightening.
For bunch spinach, the roots should be pruned to quality standards and the petioles should be mostly shorter than the leaf blades.
Spinach is very perishable and will not maintain good quality for more than 2 weeks. Wilting, leaf yellowing and rotting tend to increase after storage for more than 10-14 days.
The leaves can be refrigerated for about a week or the stems can be placed in cool water to keep them fresh.
Harvesting Spinach - Spinach Farming in Kenya
After about 5 weeks of transplanting, when your spinach leaves have reached the desired number of leaves, the harvest can be done in bunches or in individual leaves with a knife. The outer leaves of spinach are harvested, allowing the inner leaves to ripen and continue producing. During these 2-3 weeks, regrowth is allowed, after which you can continue to harvest your spinach.
Market for Spinach - Spinach Farming in Kenya
The high demand for spinach vegetables has provided a ready market for this type of vegetable. It is important to note that spinach is a highly perishable vegetable, it must be harvested at the ready market or similar, it can be chilled by placing the stems in cold water to keep them fresh. Spinach can be sold at;
1. Open-air market
2. Hotels and schools
3. Grocery stores and supermarkets
4. Consumer market
Spinach can yield 10 to 30 tons (10,000 to 30,000 kg) per acre with proper cultivation care or if you fully follow the well-established guidelines on this site.
Costs and Profits for growing spinach in Kenya
Conclusion - Spinach Farming in Kenya
Spinach Farming in Kenya; Spinach can yield between 10 and 30 tons (10,000 to 30,000 kg) per acre with proper growing care or if you fully follow the well-established guidelines on this site.
I always suggest that instead of planting cabbage, it is better to plant spinach because it does not require much care and expense. You will only pick cabbage, but spinach will be available for picking regularly.
When you have spinach on your farm, be sure to get orders from hotels where they will be supplied regularly. One hectare of spinach is enough to feed the whole village. You can also take to Nairobi where demand is high.
Are you a farmer seeking ways to enhance your operation? Check out our most recent agricultural advice! You can improve your agricultural skills by reading our knowledgeable and helpful blog content. For the most recent changes, keep checking this website! Veg Farms Kenya We appreciate you making us your go-to resource for anything related to farming.
Latest Article Veg Farms Kenya Covers useful, interesting farm and livestock information, agriculture tips and tricks.
Related; 30 Profitable Vegetable to Grow in Kenya
Are you a farmer seeking ways to enhance your operation? Check out our most recent agricultural advice! You can improve your agricultural skills by reading our knowledgeable and helpful blog content. For the most recent changes, keep checking this website! Veg Farms Kenya We appreciate you making us your go-to resource for anything related to farming.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Profitable Is Spinach Farming In Kenya?
Spinach can yield 10 to 30 tons (10,000 to 30,000 kg) per acre with proper cultivation care, If you sell your spinach for a consistent KES 14 per kilogram, you'll make KES 224,000 from one acre and KES 1.12 million from five.
How long does spinach take to mature in Kenya?
After about 5 weeks of transplanting, when the spinach leaves are ripe and reach the desired number of leaves, harvesting can be done in bunches or individual leaves with a knife.
How to make spinach leaves grow fast?
Apply bio-stimulants and foliar feed fertilizers. To encourage vegetative bloom, it is recommended to do it after every harvest.
.webp)
1 Comments
Veg Farms Kenya is by far the best Spinach Farming in Kenya information sharing website I have come across. The information they share is done so in a way that is easy to understand and relatable. I have learned so much about Spinach Farming in Kenya and it's not just because of their articles, but the well-organized and user-friendly design!
ReplyDelete