Cost of Spinach Farming in Kenya

By the end of this section you will have learnt

1.)Disease and Pests Affecting Spinach

2.)FAQ about spinach farming

3.)Spinach Farming Vs Cabbage Farming

4.)Spinach Farming

5.)Disease and Pests Affecting Spinach

6.)successful spinach farmers in Kenya

About Spinach Farming

Spinach is a heavy feeder of nitrogen. Fertilizer is not recommended. Use compost manure.- Amos Gitau

Image of Spinach seeds

Spinach scientifically known as Spinacia oleracea , is a leafy green flowering plant native to central and western Asia. Spinach is one of the most popular and nutrient-dense leafy greens in the world.

One acre of spinach can produce 20- 25 bags each 80 Kilogram which can be harvested after 2 weeks bearing in mind that spinach kilo can't go Bellow 15 kilo and Max is 32 bob -Isaac Mwangi

Image of a spinach leaf

spinach is harvested at least 4 times every 2 weeks-Wa Kwetu

Spinach is consumed both raw and cooked in various dishes. Spinach is well-known for its high nutritional value, providing significant amounts of vitamins (A, C, K), minerals (iron, calcium), and antioxidants. As a fast-growing, cool-season crop, spinach is widely cultivated globally, with a variety of farming techniques tailored to different climates and regions.

Image of a Spinach Farm in Kajiado by Wanjiru Irungu

Have you tested your soil pH to ensure it falls within the optimal range of 6.0 to 7.5 for spinach growth?

Image of spinach leaves

Spinach is thought to have originated in Persia (modern-day Iran) and was introduced to China via Nepal in the 7th century, where it is still known as the "Persian vegetable." In the 11th century, spinach was introduced to Spain by the Moors, and from there, it spread to the rest of Europe.

common pests that affect Spinach include aphids and leaf miners

FAQ about Spinach Farming

What should I add to my spinach for bigger leaves and vibrancy?

Consider applying organic manure or foliar fertilizers with high nitrogen and provide moisture consistently and avoid waterlogging For instance spinach require a lot of manure, if u can get cow, sheep, goat or chicken manure that is well composed you will be very surprised

Image of a Spinach Farm in Kajiado by Wanjiru Irungu

How long does spinach take to mature

Spinach typically takes 37 to 45 days to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Baby spinach can be harvested as early as 20 to 30 days.

water your spinach consistently enough to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, ensure your spinach receive full sun for at least 6 hours a day to maximize photosynthesis and growth

What are the benefits of eating spinach?

Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, K, and folate, supporting vision, immunity, and blood health. It contains iron, calcium, and antioxidants, promoting energy, bone strength, and cell repair. Spinach also aids digestion, reduces inflammation, supports heart health, and may help manage blood pressure and weight effectively.

Is spinach healthier, raw or cooked?

Image of Spinach Leafs by Ephantus Kuria

Spinach is healthy both raw and cooked, but each form offers different benefits. Raw spinach retains more vitamin C, folate, and enzymes, while cooked spinach enhances iron, calcium, and beta-carotene absorption by reducing oxalates.

Spinach farming profit per acre in Kenya

Profitability is influenced by factors like seasonal demand, pest management, and access to reliable markets.

Spinach farming in Kenya can yield significant profits, with earnings per acre ranging between 300,000Ksh and 500,000Ksh , depending on factors like yield, market prices, and farming practices . Production costs typically fall between 100,000Ksh and 150,000Ksh, covering expenses such as seeds, fertilizers, labor, and irrigation . Under optimal conditions, farmers can harvest 8 to 12 tonnes per acre, with market prices varying from15Ksh to 40Ksh per kilogram.

Which is the best quality seed for spinach and kales?

Ford hook giant spinach from simlaw seeds are among the best spinach seeds while for kales most farmers opt to go with locally available

What is affecting my spinach and how can they be helped?

Common issue is Cercospora Leaf Spot which is the most Common Spots may merge, causing larger dead areas and usually appears on older/lower leaves Spread through Spores which are dispersed by wind or rain splash which can be solved by planting certified seeds ,cut the affected leaves and burn them. Rotate non- host crops (outside chenopodium family)for 1-2 years and avoid planting succession crops together. Alternatively use recommended fungicides

Image of Spinach affected by Cercospora Leaf Spot by Nyambura Kuria

Spinach Farming Vs Cabbage Farming

1 acre of spinach Vs 1 Acre of cabbage for 3months. Which one makes more money at the end

Spinach would because you will harvest many times. Cabbage you only harvest once - Caroline Kimiri

With right timing spinach would be more profitable -Moses

You are asking what you already know Spinach is 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 -Sanwel Bosire

Spinach is not a joke -Catherine Kiguru

Cabbage is more marketable unaweza uza kwa shule,Hoteli,hospitali etc-John Magondu

Spinach 1month from transplant is ready for market ,Spinach you can harvest for 1yr depending with quality of the seed -Lucy Gitau

Imagine waiting for 3 months and during high supply brokers can buy a head of cabbage for 5bob -Mukoya

I have a friend who is uprooting his spinach due to low market demand and replacing with cabbage. Apparently high cost of unga has led to decreased ugali consumption and thus low demand for spinach and kales.-Karuri Kangangi

@Karuri kangangi That friend of yours will now end up selling the land!! -David

Agricultural prices are always fluctuating so you cannot tell. The best way is to plant both in different portions of land as you do diversification and mitigate the risks. -Tash D Paul

Cabbage will give you good money once whereas spinach will give you a fair amount on continuous basis.- Davis Waweru

It depends with supply and demand curve in the Market,, agricultural relies mostly on agricultural economics- Cliff Mwangi

Spinatch wins here.-Mike Anzigale

You can't even compare the profits from cabbage and spinach,,, cabbages really pay especially if they are hybrid seeds an acre can take up to around 25000 seedlings in average and if you estimate each cabbage at a price of 10 then you are likely to get a whooping 250K per acre but atimes it even pays better- Jairus Esirome

so if you go with the hybrid type then you can definitely enjoy this kind of farming -Jairus

This hybrid varieties( kiboko F1) is different from the local varieties such as African best since the hybrid varieties require moderate rainfalls and they usually grow big therefore your yields will be much better than the one who goes by the local variety- njeri Channah

Disease and Pests Affecting Spinach

Disease and Pests Affecting Spinach

One of the most common diseases is downy mildew, caused by the fungus Peronospora farinosa. It thrives in humid conditions and presents as yellow spots on the upper leaf surfaces with a grayish mold underneath. Another major disease is leaf spot, primarily due to the Cercospora species, which causes circular brown lesions that can merge and destroy the foliage. Damping-off, caused by soil-borne fungi like Pythium and Rhizoctonia, affects seedlings, leading to stem rot and death before establishment.

Integrated pest management (IPM) approaches, including crop rotation, proper spacing, resistant varieties, and use of organic or biological controls, are recommended for effective control.

Pests also pose a major threat. Aphids, especially the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae), suck sap from young leaves, causing curling and yellowing. They also transmit viral diseases. Leaf miners, whose larvae burrow into leaves, create unsightly trails and reduce photosynthetic efficiency. Cutworms and armyworms attack seedlings and mature plants by cutting stems and chewing leaves. Spider mites, common during dry conditions, cause stippling and leaf discoloration.

Successful spinach farmers in Kenya

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Full Maturity Spinach

 For mature spinach leaves, which are larger and suitable for cooking, it usually takes about 35 to 50 days. By this time, the plant will have developed a robust rosette of leaves.

Image of green spinach leaves

In the modern era, spinach has become a staple in kitchens worldwide. It is grown in temperate climates, although there are varieties suitable for subtropical and even tropical areas. Spinach farming has also evolved to meet the increasing global demand, with various cultivation techniques that optimize yield while ensuring the sustainability of farming practices.

Spinach Swiss Ochard Fordhook Giant Characteristics

• Very good producer and heat resistant

• Plant height 65 cm

• Very dark green color leaves

• Leaves are large and heavily crumpled

• Maturity period 60 - 70 days from transplanting

• Pack Sizes (in grams) 10 / 25 / 50 / 100 / 250 / 500

How to Propagate Spinach Seeds

STEP 1

After you have purchased seeds from a reliable spinach seed vendor, you must ensure you prepare the seed bed with proper drained soil which is rich in Nitrogen as Spinach love Nitrogen

Image of spinach fordhook giant seeds

STEP 2

Sow the seeds onto the prepared bed then to avoid the seeds being damaged by direct sunlight or even eaten by birds , add soil to cover up the seeds then later on water the seed bed

Image of spinach seedlings

Step 3

Ensure you Mulch your seed bed as very prolong sunlight will damage your young seedling

Image of one week old spinach saplings

Cost of Spinach farming

The cost of spinach farming varies based on location, scale, and farming methods. On average, cultivating one acre may cost 10,000Ksh . Key expenses include seeds 1000Ksh to 3000Ksh per acre), land preparation 3,000Ksh to 10,000Ksh, labor 4,000Ksh to 10,000Ksh, fertilizers and compost 5000Ksh to 30,000Ksh, and irrigation 5000Ksh to 10,000Ksh. Additional costs include pest control, harvesting, and transportation. Organic farming may increase costs due to labor-intensive practices and organic inputs. Using drip irrigation or plastic mulching raises initial investment but boosts yield.

Market access, weather, and pest outbreaks can affect profitability. Efficient planning and resource use help maximize returns on spinach farming.

Spinach Seedlings for Sale

The average cost of spinach seedlings in Kenya is 2Ksh ,the pricing however depends on the size of the spinach seedlings and the demand and supply factors associated with the spinach seedlings

Image of Spinach Seedling by Grace seedlings farm

Baby Spinach

This is harvested when the leaves are small and tender, usually about **30 to 40 days** after planting. Baby spinach is popular in salads and is often harvested using a method called "cut and come again," where only the outer leaves are trimmed, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing for future harvests.

Image of baby spinach