Fertilizing Spinach at Home Quiz Quiz

Discover practical knowledge about nourishing spinach plants for healthy growth in a home garden. This quiz covers essential facts about optimal fertilization practices for spinach.

1. Nutrient Importance

   Which nutrient is especially important for lush green leaf growth in spinach?

   1. Calcium
   2. Phosphorus
   3. Nitrogen
   4. Potassium

   Explanation: Nitrogen encourages healthy leaf production, which is crucial for spinach, a leafy green. Potassium helps with root development and disease resistance but is less vital for leaf growth. Phosphorus primarily aids in root and flower development, not leaves. Calcium prevents issues like leaf tip burn but is not the primary driver of lush foliage.

2. Fertilizer Selection

   A home gardener wants to fertilize spinach using a balanced granular fertilizer. Which N-P-K ratio is most suitable for general use?

   1. 0-0-10
   2. 0-20-20
   3. 20-0-20
   4. 10-10-10

   Explanation: The 10-10-10 ratio provides equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, making it versatile for most home gardening needs. 0-20-20 and 20-0-20 are imbalanced and may not support all aspects of spinach growth. 0-0-10 lacks nitrogen and phosphorus, which spinach needs for healthy development.

3. Fertilizing Timing

   When is the best time to apply fertilizer to spinach grown at home?

   1. Before planting and again mid-growth
   2. While the leaves are yellow
   3. Only at harvest
   4. After every rain

   Explanation: Applying fertilizer before planting provides a strong start, and a mid-growth application supports ongoing nutrient needs. Fertilizing only at harvest or after every rain is ineffective or wasteful. Waiting until leaves turn yellow may be too late, as the plant could already be stressed.

4. Over-Fertilization Signs

   Which is a common sign that spinach has received too much fertilizer?

   1. Rapid tall growth
   2. Leaf tip burn
   3. Thick roots
   4. Early bolting

   Explanation: Leaf tip burn often indicates fertilizer burn from excessive nutrients, especially nitrogen. Rapid growth is not always problematic. Thick roots are not commonly associated with over-fertilization, and early bolting relates more to temperature and day length than fertilizer excess.

5. Organic Alternatives

   Which organic amendment can improve spinach nutrition in a raised bed?

   1. Sand
   2. Vermiculite
   3. Wood chips
   4. Compost

   Explanation: Compost enriches soil with nutrients and organic matter, supporting spinach growth. Sand improves drainage but offers little nutrition. Wood chips may tie up nitrogen as they decompose, and vermiculite retains water but does not substantially fertilize the soil.