Q.Growing Spinach (Pre-Beginner Level Knowledge)
Good Day, I came across “How to Grow Spinach in Pots for Fresh Greens Anywhere”; I have some questions and would be grateful for a little bit of your time–I’m sure they’re very easy questions. A quick background as to why someone with zero gardening experience, and very little interest in having a legit garden, would be messaging you about gardening… I am taking a prescription weight-loss medication (Zepbound), and have lost a great deal of weight. I’m now at the highest dose. I’m not sure if it’s being caused directly or indirectly by the medicine, but since hitting the highest dose I have had some issues. One issue. Apparently, my normal diet does not include enough fiber. I love spinach. I have always loved spinach (actually, I recently learned that I hated it as a baby/toddler). For as long as I can remember, I have loved spinach. The main thing that stops me from opening the fridge and grabbing some spinach if I’m hungry is that then there will be less spinach for a salad, meaning that salad won’t be a full meal, which defeats the purpose for me of going through the work of creating the salad. But I’m not made of money; I’m not going to go to the store just to refill spinach and delivery is pricey. I live in a suburb of Chicago, so I couldn’t have year-round growth outside, plus I hate outside. My questions: Is it realistic for me to grow my own spinach? My understanding is that it is one of the easier things to grow requiring little maintenance, which is perfect. How much space do I need based on the amount I want to grow? I found some various info but that article said you shouldn’t grow indoors and when I find conflicting information that seems to be wrong I don’t fully trust other information from that source. Please explain the light situation. Don’t feel required to give too much information, like I said I don’t presume to take too much of your time and am grateful for the time you are giving simply by reading. Just generally speaking, do I need to consider moving from the east side of the house in the morning to the west side of the house in the afternoon? Should I supplement with lamps? Am I able to go full lamps? Will there be a noticeable difference in my electrical bill? Thank you so much for your time. If it is helpful to know, you are helping me on my health journey. I’m down 50 lbs. I still have a ways to go, but I’m further along than I have been before. Thanks again!
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
Do you mean moving your container back and forth every day from east to west exposure? That isn't necessary. You could leave it on the western exposure and add a grow light. Grow lights should be left on about 14-16 hours a day. If you have a south window, that is ideal. In winter though, it would probably still need supplemental light. The LED lights are energy efficient, so I don't think you will notice an appreciable hike in the electric bill. You could just use lamps if you don't want to take advantage of a window. Here is more:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/spinach/growing-spinach-in-containers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/spinach/growing-spinach-inside.htm
https://www.uvm.edu/extension/news/growing-greens-indoors-winter
