Spinach is one of the most profitable vegetables to grow in Kenya. Its widely grown in the country because of its high nutritional value and succulent edible green leaves. Temperature of 4- 16°c. Fertile and well-drained soil with a pH of 6.4-7.
Is spinach farming profitable in Kenya?
Many Kenyans would know whether spinach farming is profitable in Kenya, the answer is yes. Spinach farming is as profitable as kale farming. When you plant spinach, you don’t need more than one acre, even half an acre is enough. One acre will produce spinach that will generate up to Ksh 500,000 for three months.
How much does spinach make per acre?
Ready for first cutting in 30 days after sowing. Gives average yield of 125 qtl/acre.
How much is a sack of spinach in Kenya?
Kenya spinach wholesale price. In 2022, the approximate price range for Kenya Spinach is between US$ 7.33 and US$ 3.2 per kilogram or between US$ 3.32 and US$ 1.45 per pound(lb). The price in Kenyan Shilling is KES 798.84 per kg. The average price for a tonne is US$ 7333.33 in Mombasa and Nairobi.
Is planting spinach profitable?
However, commercial spinach farming is a very easy and profitable business. You can start this business for making money even if you are a beginner.
How long does spinach take to grow?
Spinach requires 6 weeks of cool weather from seeding to harvest, so sow seeds directly into the soil as soon as the ground warms to 40°F. (Cover the soil with black plastic to speed its warming.) Although seeds can be started indoors, it is not recommended, as seedlings are difficult to transplant.
Which is the best variety of spinach?
The savoy types are preferred for the home garden and fresh market use because they look and taste better, keep longer and have less oxalic acid (which can interfere with the utilization of calcium or magnesium in the diet) than smooth leaf types. Semi-savoy types have lightly crinkled leaves. Rounded spinach seeds.
Is spinach a cash crop?
Moreover, spinach has been widely used or grown as a cash crop to derive income in different areas, either rural, peri-urban, or urban.
How long is spinach season?
Spinach is ready to harvest 6-10 weeks after sowing. As a general rule, you can pick summer varieties from May to October and winter ones between October and April. But keep an eye on your crop as spinach usually grows quicker in warmer weather.
How much does it cost to grow spinach?
Annual office and business expenses are estimated at $700 per acre. Because three crops are produced each year per acre, one-third of this cost, or $233, is assumed for the spinach crop studied here.
Where can I sell my spinach?
Leaf Spinach
Restaurants, retail or farmers markets are all good fits for marketing and selling this crop.
Where can I sell farm produce in Kenya?
Farmers Market Kenya is a marketplace you can trust
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How much is spinach seeds in Kenya?
Kshs. 420. – Recommended growing areas, Western Kenya, Elgeyo Marakwet, Coffee growing areas of Central Kenya, and parts of Nyanza.
How long does it take to grow spinach in Kenya?
Spinach Harvesting
Time to harvest depends on whether we grow Spinach for Fresh or Processed Market. In most cases, spinach plants for fresh market are harvested in one cut (the whole plant is destroyed) about 38-55 days from seeding.
How do you prepare land for spinach?
Spinach grows best in a well-draining loamy soil with an optimum pH of between 6.4 and 7. It is sensitive to acidic soil and if the pH is too high, adding HUMIPOWER is recommended. Although it prefers full sun, spinach can still produce significantly in partial shade.
How much space do you need between spinach plants?
Time of Planting: Plant spinach outdoors as soon as soil can be worked. Sow in spring and late summer. Spinach tolerates cool weather. Special Considerations: When growing spinach for seed, increase spacing to 8-12 inches between plants in rows 22-30 inches apart, or to at least 12 inches on center.
How many times can you harvest spinach?
If you leave the crown to grow back, you may be able to get three to four harvests from each plant, depending on your climate and growing conditions. After cutting, remove any faded, browning leaves from the bunch and relegate them to the compost pile.
What month do you plant spinach?
When is the best time to plant spinach? In late winter or early spring for a fast crop and again in late summer or early fall, after the hottest temperatures have passed.
How often should spinach be watered?
About 1″ of water per week is best for spinach. But in warmer weather, bump that number up by half an inch. Regular, shallow watering is better than one deep watering per week.
Does spinach grow in hot weather?
Success in growing spinach in summer will vary depending upon climate. Those with cool summer temperatures may have moderate luck. Growers attempting to grow during the hotter months of the year; however, should look for summer spinach varieties. These cultivars may be labeled as “slow bolt” or heat tolerant spinach.
What is the fastest growing spinach?
1 | Hammerhead Spinach
Most often than not, they are eaten raw or lightly cooked as salads. ‘ They have a fast growth rate and a harvest period of 27 days. They are also fast in bolting.