Grow Hydroponic Spinach in NFT- Seed to Harvest
Hydroponically grown plants Spinach, or Spinacia oleracea in general, is a great leafy vegetable that can be cultivated all year except in winter when temperatures as low as 5-10 degrees Celsius cause very poor growth, and in excessive heat, when temperatures exceed 35 degrees Celsius.
Spinach is a fantastic vegetable to plant when there isn’t enough sunshine because it grows well with as little as 3-4 hours of direct sunlight but prefers full sun. Hydroponic Spinach is spinach grown utilizing hydroponics as a growth method. Hydroponics is a method of growing plants that use inert material to support the plants and a hydroponic nutrition solution. Hydroponic spinach farming necessitates the cultivation of spinach plants without the need for soil.
The Advantages of Hydroponic Spinach
- Hydroponic spinach is high in vitamins and minerals including vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, magnesium, and so on.
- It is an excellent source of iron, particularly for individuals who require more iron in their diet, as 100 grams of spinach contains around 20% of the daily requirement of iron.
- It is an excellent source of Vitamin K, which aids with blot clotting, as it contains 400% of the daily Vitamin K needed.
- It is high in fiber, which aids digestion and maintains gut healthy.
- Growing hydroponic spinach in NFT allows gardeners to receive more nutritious spinach since they can manage and modulate the nutrients delivered to plants for growth.
Hydroponic Spinach Growing Instructions
Before you plant your first hydroponic spinach seeds, there are a few things you should know about plants in general.The first thing you should be aware of is that spinach is susceptible to Pythium infestation, which is frequent in some hydroponic systems. This can cause root rot and ruin the entire crop before it matures.
Pythium is a widespread contaminant that may be found almost anywhere, making it nearly impossible to totally eliminate it from your greenhouse. Instead, concentrate on cleaning any surface that may come into contact with your plants or nutritional solution on a regular basis. Make sure your spinach crops have proper aeration and never use surface water sources.
Hydroponic Spinach Plant Yield
Until termination, one Net Cup generates around 250-300 grams of Hydroponic Spinach. They planted 14 net cups in all, with approximately 1 gram of spinach seeds sown in each 2-inch net cup. They received 3.5-3.6 kg of yield at the conclusion of the growth cycle. As a result, the yield would be roughly 250 grams per net cup.
Spinach Hydroponic Nutrient Solution Recipe
They use a different recipe for leafy greens than the Hydroponic Nutrient Solution Recipe for Fruiting Vegetables. Because leafy greens require more nitrogen for vegetative development and less potassium than fruiting vegetables, the hydroponic nutrition solution for spinach is unique.
Hydroponic Spinach TDS or EC Level
TDS or EC levels for hydroponic spinach will be about 1.6 to 2.0 EC or 800-1000 ppm depending on the quality of fertilizers used and the formula that you follow. TDS or EC can be measured with a TDS meter.
Hydroponic Spinach pH Level
For hydroponic spinach, the pH level should always be between 5.8 and 6.8. A pH meter can be used to measure pH. Phosphoric acid or Nitric acid can be used to lower pH, whereas ordinary tap water can be used to raise pH.
The Health Advantages of Hydroponic Spinach
Spinach is an extremely healthy leafy green that may be used in salads or cooked into a variety of meals. Many people select spinach because of its energy-restoring capabilities and high iron concentration. Spinach also has high levels of vitamins K, A, C, and B12, as well as folate (essential during pregnancy) and minerals including manganese and magnesium. It’s an excellent diet for bone and blood health and has a wide range of applications.
Growing Conditions for Spinach
Although direct sunshine is preferable, fluorescent, high-pressure sodium or HID lighting will suffice. If your setup lets you select light color bands, blue light is good because it promotes leaf growth. Calcium and magnesium are the two most important elements to offer for your spinach plants. Too much nitrogen can lead to leaf tip burn. Start with a mild nutrient mix and progressively increase it over a few weeks until you reach full strength. Reduce your nutrient strength again just before harvest to prevent bitter leaves. Traditional growing methods would require you to consider when to plant spinach, which is only available in the spring.
FAQ | Grow Hydroponic Spinach in NFT
1. What is hydroponics?
A: Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water instead.
2. What is NFT?
A: NFT stands for nutrient film technique, which is a hydroponic growing system that uses a thin film of nutrient-rich water to feed the plants.
3. Can spinach be grown hydroponically in NFT?
A: Yes, spinach can be grown hydroponically in NFT. It is a popular crop for hydroponic growers because it is easy to grow and has a short growing cycle.
4. How do you grow spinach hydroponically in NFT?
A: To grow spinach hydroponically in NFT, you will need to germinate the seeds first, and then plant them in net pots that are placed in channels that contain a thin film of nutrient-rich water. The channels should be kept in a well-lit area with good air circulation.
5. What are the benefits of growing spinach hydroponically in NFT?
A: Growing spinach hydroponically in NFT can help increase yields, reduce water usage, and eliminate the need for pesticides and herbicides. It is also a sustainable and environmentally-friendly way to grow vegetables.
6. How long does it take to harvest spinach grown hydroponically in NFT?
A: Spinach typically takes 35 to 45 days to mature, from seed to harvest. The exact timing may vary depending on the growing conditions and the specific variety of spinach.
7. How do you harvest spinach grown hydroponically in NFT?
A: Spinach should be harvested when the leaves are large enough to be picked, but before they become tough or start to flower. To harvest, simply cut the leaves off the plant using a sharp knife or scissors. Be sure to handle the leaves gently to avoid damaging the plant.