How to Grow Kale and Spinach in Late Summer: Tips for Thriving Greens
Dreaming of a lush garden filled with fresh, leafy greens even as summer winds down? You’re in the right place! Late summer gardening might seem tricky, but with a few handy tricks, you can enjoy thriving kale and spinach right in your backyard. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, understanding kale growing conditions and mastering spinach care can transform your garden into a green haven. In this kale and spinach planting guide, we’ll share growing spinach tips to help your greens flourish as the days get shorter. So grab your trowel, and let’s get planting!## Essential Late Summer Gardening
Late summer is a great time to start growing leafy greens like kale and spinach. These cool-season crops thrive as temperatures begin to drop, providing a bountiful harvest well into fall. Let’s explore how to grow these nutritious vegetables in your garden.
How to Grow Kale
Kale is a hardy vegetable that can withstand cooler temperatures, making it perfect for late summer planting. To start, choose a sunny spot in your garden with well-draining soil. Kale prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to planting kale:
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Prepare the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure.
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Sow seeds directly in the garden, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.
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Space seeds about 3 inches apart in rows 18 to 24 inches apart.
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Water thoroughly after planting and keep the soil moist.
Kale typically germinates in 5 to 8 days. Once seedlings are about 4 inches tall, thin them to 12 to 18 inches apart. This gives plants room to grow and helps prevent disease.
To care for your kale, water regularly and mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize every 6 to 8 weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer. Harvest outer leaves when they’re about the size of your hand, leaving the center to continue producing.
Growing Spinach Tips
Spinach is another cool-season crop that thrives in late summer and early fall. It grows best when temperatures are between 50°F and 70°F, making it ideal for planting as summer heat wanes.
When planting spinach, choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Spinach prefers rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve fertility and drainage.
To sow spinach seeds:
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Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep and 2 inches apart in rows.
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Space rows 12 to 18 inches apart.
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Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which usually occurs in 5 to 10 days.
Once seedlings emerge, thin them to 4 to 6 inches apart. This allows proper air circulation and reduces competition for nutrients. Regular watering is crucial for spinach, especially during dry spells. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Harvest spinach leaves when they’re big enough to eat, typically when the plant has at least six leaves. Cut outer leaves first, allowing the center to continue producing. With proper care, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown spinach well into the fall season.