What are these seedlings that are just beginning to emerge from the ground?
These are spinach seedlings. This spinach was direct seeded into growing beds. We see in the photo the cotyledons popping up through the holes in the plastic mulch in, what appears, to be a healthy stand with good germination. Spinach germinates in soil temperatures between 45-75 degrees, optimum being around 70. Seeds can be sown in succession into early spring, but germination rate could begin to drop once soil temperatures reach 85 degrees. Spinach does well for many soil types across the state but is sensitive to acidity and prefers a pH between 6-7. This grower will be harvesting a salad in roughly 30 days!
This week’s question is from Sarah Scott, Midlands Fruit and Vegetable Agent.
The South Carolina Grower 