October is a good time to grow spinach on your terrace in many parts of India, as temperatures begin to ease after the summer heat. With a few containers, suitable soil, and regular care, even a small terrace can provide fresh palak for everyday meals. The key is to give the plants enough light, maintain moisture in the soil, and choose growing conditions suited to the season.

Vijay Sharma, a swimming coach at SP College in Bikaner, Rajasthan, knows the satisfaction of harvesting vegetables at home. He began gardening in 2017 after noticing that the quality of market-bought cluster beans was declining. Pleased with the results, he started growing spinach, okra, chillies, and other vegetables. During the COVID-19 lockdown, he expanded his garden to cover 1,500 square feet, growing more than 150 varieties of vegetables and medicinal plants.

In a conversation with The Better India published in October 2021, he shared how he prepared his growing medium, reused household materials as planters, and cared for his plants. His experience offers useful lessons for those planning to grow spinach this October.

1. Choose a suitable container

Spinach grows well in containers, making it a practical choice for terrace gardeners. Choose a pot or grow bag at least six to eight inches deep, with drainage holes to prevent water from collecting around the roots. A wider container allows you to grow several plants together.

The expert found creative ways to expand his garden when gardening supplies were difficult to access during the lockdown. He reused discarded drums, old tyres, and broken plastic containers as planters.

For spinach, use a clean container that allows excess water to drain freely. Avoid overcrowding the plants, as adequate space helps leaves develop........

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