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Clubfoot (Talipes) In Babies
The development of a baby is dependent on multiple factors such as the nourishment received from the mother, physical health of the mother and of course, genetics. It can happen at times that babies are born with specific congenital disabilities. Clubfoot is one such congenital malformation.
Video: Club Foot (Talipes) in Babies - Causes, Signs & Treatment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsKdaiEdI4w
What is Clubfoot?
Clubfoot or congenital talipes equinovarus is a congenital foot deformity where the baby’s foot is twisted because the tissues that connect the muscle to the bones are shorter than usual. A child can be born with the condition in a single foot or a bilateral clubfoot, where both feet of the baby are twisted inwards.
Clubfoot can be mild or severe and will make walking normally difficult for the child. A clubfoot is not painful and can be treated early after birth of the child without any complex surgical procedures in most cases.
How common is Clubfoot in Babies?
Clubfoot is not very uncommon and affects one to two in every thousand babies born in India. Clubfoot instances in boys are more common in boys than in girls and, the likelihood of both feet suffering from clubfoot is high.
Types Of Clubfoot
A congenital defect, clubfoot can be of three types:
Idiopathic Clubfoot
Idiopathic or isolated clubfoot is the most common form of clubfoot deformity that is prevalent at the time of birth of a child. This type of clubfoot affects one to four babies out of thousand live births approximately. This deformity is characterised by stiff and rigid foot and is very difficult to manipulate. If left untreated, it can have an adverse effect on the child's life.
Positional Clubfoot
The feet in positional clubfoot are much more flexible than in idiopathic clubfoot. This type of clubfoot is caused if the baby is in breech position while in the uterus. Positional clubfoot can be treated and changed to a neutral position by hand itself.
Syndrome Clubfoot
Syndrome clubfoot is a severe condition where the chances of treatment with positive outcomes are low. This condition can often be part of a broader, more complicated syndrome.
Causes
Although the clubfoot deformity is a common condition, the exact reason which is responsible for this complication has not been determined yet. Clubfoot can be caused due to the position of the baby in the mother’s womb. This is known as postural clubfoot.
The condition can also be caused due to environmental and genetic factors. Unhealthy lifestyle like smoking and consuming drugs during pregnancy can also result in the baby being born with clubfoot. A baby born into a family with history of clubfoot is likely to suffer from this condition as well.
Signs & Symptoms
Clubfoot, unlike many other prenatal conditions is clearly visible on birth of the baby. It can also be seen during the prenatal ultrasound tests. Following are the symptoms of clubfoot:
The heel will point downwards and the front half of the foot turns inward instead of being straight.
Smaller and weak calf muscles characterise this condition.
The affected leg might remain slightly shorter.
Tight Achilles tendon is likely.
The affected foot may be a ½ inch shorter and broader than the normal foot.
The foot will remain twisted and will not correct itself.
Though this condition does not cause any pain to the baby, if not treated on time, the symptoms become more obvious and hinder the growth of the child and restrict free and agile movement.
Diagnosis of Clubfoot in Infants
Clubfoot in some cases can be identified clearly during the prenatal ultrasound test performed before the birth of the child. While nothing can be done to correct the defect before birth, it will give a head start to the doctors to understand the condition better and treat it immediately after birth.
Clubfoot is visible at birth, and the doctor can identify it by just looking at the shape of the baby’s foot. At times, the doctor might opt for an x-ray to understand the severity of the condition before taking necessary steps to treat it.
Risks & Complications
Clubfoot can be caused due to of several reasons. Following are the factors which may lead to this condition:
Family history
The likelihood of a baby having clubfoot is higher if either of the parents or other siblings born into the family have had this condition.
Environment
Smoking during pregnancy or using recreational drugs can increase the risk of developing clubfoot.
Congenital Conditions
Clubfoot can also be associated with the abnormalities of skeleton present at birth such as Spina Bifida. In this condition, the tissue surrounding the spinal cord does not close properly and is a severe congenital disability.
Lack of Amniotic Fluid in the Womb
Insufficient amniotic fluid which surrounds the baby in the womb can also lead to clubfoot.
Clubfoot is not painful and does not cause any problem until the child starts to stand and walk. However, the child might face the following complications even if the condition is treated:
The movement might be slightly limited and not very fast.
The shoe size of the affected foot might be smaller than that of the normal foot.
The size of the calf muscle in the affected leg will be smaller than the other leg.
Clubfoot can cause serious complications if not treated on time:
The likelihood of developing arthritis is high if clubfoot is not treated.
The twist in the foot might not allow the child to walk normally, thereby affecting his walking speed.
Abnormal walking style may restrict the growth of calf muscles and can cause large sores on the foot.
Clubfoot Treatment
The treatment of the condition depends on the doctor’s assessment of the severity of the situation. Here are a few remedial actions which may be adopted:
1. Ponseti Method
The most common method of treating clubfoot in babies is the Ponseti method. It involves stretching and casting of the affected foot.
In this method, the doctor moves the foot to the proper position and puts it in a cast to keep it in place. This method of repositioning and recasting will be repeated once or twice a week, and this exercise will continue for several months. Towards the end of this process, the doctor will perform a minor surgery to strengthen and elongate the Achilles tendon.
Once the foot is re-aligned, your baby will need continuous stretching exercises, special shoes and braces to hold the foot in the right position. Your baby will need to wear the shoes and braces full time for at least three months and wear them at night for up to three years.
Many times, this procedure is not successful because the braces are not used for the required period. It is important to follow your doctor's directions so that the foot does not return to its original position.
2. French Method
The French method is a nonsurgical method used to treat clubfoot which involves stretching, mobilising and taping of the foot to maintain and improve the range of motion of the foot. This method is also known as the functional method or the physical therapy method and is useful when performed soon after the birth of the child. The stretching and taping are performed for at least three months, to improve dorsiflexion of the ankle. Dorsiflexion is the angle between the foot and the leg when one walks on the heels. Achilles tenotomy, which involves cutting the Achilles tendon, will be required.
3.Surgery
Invasive surgery may be required in the case of a severe clubfoot condition which does not respond to non-surgical treatments. During the surgery, the tendons of the leg are lengthened to allow the foot to ease into a better position. Post-surgery, the affected foot will be cast for two months, and the child will need to wear a brace for at least one year after the surgery. This is done to prevent clubfoot from coming back.
Even after clubfoot has been treated, it might not be corrected completely. However, most babies who are treated in the early stages grow up to wear normal shoes and lead a normal and active life.
How can Clubfoot be Prevented?
Since the exact cause of clubfoot cannot be known, it is often difficult to prevent it. The risk of clubfoot can be minimised by not smoking during pregnancy and avoiding the consumption of recreational drugs.
When should you visit a Doctor?
If a baby is born with talipes equinovarus, it is important to visit a specialist who can treat the condition immediately after the birth of the baby. The specialist with the help of clubfoot radiology will identify the severity of the condition and the kind of treatment it warrants. After the birth of the child, the sooner the clubfoot surgery is performed; the higher are the chances of the baby being able to lead a normal and active life. Non-surgical treatments such as Ponseti and French method are most effective when started immediately after the birth of the child.
If the condition is identified during the prenatal ultrasound itself, then it is best to consult a specialist immediately so that the situation can be closely monitored and the treatment can begin immediately after the baby is born.
Since the exact reason for clubfoot is not known, it is almost impossible to prevent its occurrence. In such a case, it is best to be alert and consult a specialist immediately after the condition has been identified in the baby.
Although clubfoot is not painful, it will restrict the baby from leading a normal life in the future, and hence, the condition cannot be taken lightly.
Another critical thing to keep in mind is that even after the condition has been treated, necessary precautions such as wearing special shoes and braces as per the instructions of the doctor must be followed to ensure that the condition does not re-surface.
Also Read: Birth Defects Read more
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Food Menu Ideas for Baby Shower That Will Make Your Guests Go Wow
A baby shower is an occasion of warmth and hope. If you are the one hosting a baby shower at your place, make it a memorable for the mom-to-be and for the guests as well. Food is the heart and soul of every party, so the menu you decide for a baby shower should also be impeccable. To help you plan the best baby shower, we bring some fantastic food suggestions for you. Here are some 'tasty' food menu ideas for your baby shower. Consider the options and take your pick.
Menu Suggestions for a Baby Shower
When it comes to baby shower food ideas, budget recipes offer an astounding variety and are the best bet.
1. Welcome Drinks
Lemonade: Squeeze some lemons into a jug of cold water and add some sugar. Stir well, your lemonade will be ready to serve.
Mocktails: You can substitute cocktails with an apple juice, cranberry juice, and orange juice. You can mix these, add crushed ice, and serve in attractive glasses.
Mojito: Muddle mint leaves lime wedges in a jar. Add sugar and crushed ice to it. Then add plain soda and stir. The goodness of mojito will make each and every guest happy.
Cherry coke: Add some wild cherry mix to a soda drink and get a tangy cola drink.
Infused water: Leave cut fruits of your choice in water for an hour. Let it cool and serve at the party. Wow your guests with the fruit-infused drink.
Milkshake: In a blender, take some milk and vanilla ice cream. Add vanilla extract and sugar(if required), chocolate sauce, and blend. Let it cool, then serve.
Retro Juice: Make a juice of any fruit of your choice, and serve in retro cola bottles for a fun experience.
Cider: Take apple cider, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and orange juice in a pot and bring it to a boil. Turn off the heat, and strain. Serve warm.
Tea: Serve some hot lemon tea in you are hosting the event on a Sunday afternoon.
Fruit punch: Make a fun punch with the juices of several fruits and offer guests a tangy surprise.
2. Starters
Grilled cheese: Make batches of grilled cheese sandwiches and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Sausage wraps: Grill some sausages. Spread mustard sauce on tortillas, then place sausages on the centre of the tortillas, shred some cheese, and roll them.
Nachos: Serve a platter of nachos with mayonnaise and guacamole dips for a fuss-free finger food option.
Chicken tikka: Chicken Tikkas are one of the most loved starters, and we are sure that your guests will love eating these. You can make chicken tikkas at home or order it from outside if you don't want to get into the lengthy process of making them.
Tomato-cheese skewers: A toothpick, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, olive oil, and spices of your choice are all you need for this delicious option.
Sliders: Cut up your burger bread into four wedges and slide in some ham and cream cheese.
Bhajiyas: Bhajias are common snacks that we love to eat any time of the year. And so will your guests. Make this traditional Indian snacks to delight your guests.
Mac 'n' Cheese: Cook a batch of everyone's favourite macaroni and cheese and serve them in small muffin baskets.
Crackers: Line up some cheese on crackers to make the simplest starters of all times.
Popcorn: It doesn't have to be a movie night to eat popcorns, you can make it just about anytime. You can serve popcorn as starters too.
3. Main Course
Pulav: When it comes to baby shower food ideas, Indian is the way to go when deciding food for the main course. Start with a simple, tasty pulao that can accompany any other dish.
Fried rice: If you don't want to make pulao, you can make fried rice. It's much easier. Sauté all your favourite veggies, add cooked rice, and mix well. Add some roasted cashews if you like. Your fancy rice is ready for fancy rice dish!
Open sandwiches: With some cream cheese and natural food colours, make the most interesting of open sandwiches where each guest gets her own special combination.
Stuffed peppers: Scoop out the insides of your yellow and red bell peppers and stuff them with healthy meat fillings. Let these stuffed peppers be the highlight of the main course.
Churro banana bites: To make these, combine sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and whisk until they mix. Heat coconut oil in a pan, add banana slices and cook them. Add sugar and cinnamon mix on it and cook well. Your churro banana bites are ready to serve.
Lasagna: This yummy Italian dish is quite popular in India. If you want to serve a dish that is rich in cheese, lasagna should be your choice.
Pancakes: Make a batch of mini pancakes and place them in attractive plates so that your guests can help themselves. Le them dip these tasty pancakes into honey and maple syrup bowls and enjoy.
Sandwiches: Cut off the crusts of your sandwich bread and cut them diagonally for the most dainty cucumber sandwiches ever.
Veggie wrap: Don't underestimate the power of vegetables. You can place veggies and meat slices in a wrap, and serve good health to your guests.
Pizza: Order pizzas from your favourite outlets and serve them to your guests.
4. Salad
Pasta: You can make pasta at home without much fuss. Boil pasta, add your favourite veggies, olive oil, salt, and the spices of your choice. Your pasta salad is ready to eat.
Fruits: Buy fresh fruits from the market, wash them, cut them into uniform pieces and place them in a glass bowl. Serve your guests some healthy fruit salad.
Peas 'n' shrimp: The perfect summer food, mix some snap-peas with shrimps for a light meal.
Cucumber 'n' Ham: Slice cucumbers into thin strips and toss them with ham slices.
Meat: Make a warmer salad with broiled tomatoes, meat, and baby cress.
Bananas 'n' nuts: Chop up some bananas and almonds, drizzle with honey.
Salad bar: Instead of mixing the salad and watching it go soggy, dice the veggies and set up a salad bar!
Quinoa: Surprise your guests with an exotic Mediterranean quinoa salad.
Caesar bowls: Make small bowls of the all-time favourite, Caesar salad.
Avocado tuna: For your fish-loving guests, dice some avocado and toss it in a tuna mix.
5. Dessert
Yoghurt parfait: Fill up some store-bought ice-cream cones with yoghurt and cereal, to create the perfect parfaits.
Strawberry bowls: You can serve fresh strawberries with chocolate dip, and your guests will love them.
Oreo surprise: Take vanilla ice cream in bowls, add oreo cookies on top, sprinkle some crushed Oreo cookie on it and serve.
Coconuts and chocolate: Slice some coconuts and drizzle them with chocolate for dessert on the go.
Cake bites: Buy a celebratory cake and divide it into bite-sized pieces, and serve them to your guests.
No-bake choco balls: You can also make no-bake coconut and chocolate balls for the guests who love anything and everything that has chocolate in it.
Cake pops: Bake some quick cake pops with any cake mix you have at hand.
Ice-cream sandwiches: Use any digestive biscuits to make Ice cream sandwiches. Take one biscuit, layer some vanilla ice cream on it, top it with other biscuits. Make some more and give it to your guests.
Melon bassinet: Cut a quarter of a watermelon out and carve out the insides to make a baby-themed bassinet that guests can eat out of.
Fruit bowl: Add your favourite fruits and berries in vanilla ice-cream and a tasty dessert will be ready in no minutes.
These were some food menu ideas you can consider for your baby shower party. So sharpen your knives and with just a little effort, put together a feast that your guests and the mother-to-be will remember forever.
Also Read:
Fun and Exciting Games for Baby Shower
Essential Checklist to Plan a Baby Shower
Unique Decoration Ideas for Baby Shower (Godh Bharai) Read more
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Never Say Never!! - My Take Away from My Second Normal Delivery
In 2013 when I had my first baby my gynec was very happy that in spite of 17 hours of labour I didn't throw any tantrums and I was very proud of achieving a normal delivery (since it is a rare phenomenon these days). My doctor's praise (she might have said this to every patient) made me fly in the sky as if I have completed my unfinished M Phil. When my daughter turned 3, my husband expressed the desire of having another baby and very sheepishly he said, I know you will have to go through that process of labour pain and delivery once again and I immediately said "I will never shy away from having another baby because of labour pain or delivery. I was never scared of it." And two years later, I was expecting my second one and all I wanted this time too was a normal delivery. Eventually I had one too but the experience this time left me with only one thing "No never again." Delivering a 4kg baby normally was a horrendous task. That labour of 4 hours did to me what 17 hours of labour in previous pregnancy could not and now I have just one thing to say "enough is enough".
My take away from both my experiences:
1. We should never take anything for granted.
2. No two situations and cases are same.
3. We should always prepare ourselves for the worst scenario (I had gone to labour room thinking that it is going to be a cake walk).
4. Never judge anyone for things they have chosen.
5. Never judge anyone at least for the things they had no control over (C-sec for that matter).
6. Lastly, even if it was an easy task for you, do not tell your husband about it (let him stay in the feeling of how much you have gone through which is not untrue also)...
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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How to Grow Spinach in Your Garden - Planting and Growing Tips
Spinach is one of the most rewarding cool-weather crops to cultivate, yielding abundant amounts of vitamin-rich, dark green leaves that are wonderful for salads and cooking. Since both hot weather and long days cause spinach to bolt (send up a seed stalk), the key to success with this crop is to begin sowing seeds as quickly as possible in spring. Make quick, frequent plantings throughout late spring and summer and focus on fall as the primary crop season.
Spinach is a leafy green that best grows in cooler climates. Spinach, which is strong in iron, is also high in vitamins A and C, potassium, thiamin, and folic acid, among other nutrients. Spinach has carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which are abundant in most dark green leafy vegetables. Spinach is delicious whether eaten raw or cooked.
When to Plant Spinach?
Spinach grows similarly to lettuce in terms of circumstances and requirements, but it is more beneficial in nutrition and can be eaten raw or cooked. It has more iron, calcium, and vitamins than most cultivated greens and is a good source of vitamins A, B, and C.
Spring plantings can begin as soon as the soil is workable. It is critical to seed spinach as soon as possible to ensure that it receives the needed six weeks of chilly weather between sowing and harvesting.
Soil temperatures should not exceed 70ºF (21°C) for optimum germination.
Throughout early spring, successive plantings should be conducted every two weeks.
Gardeners in northern areas can harvest spinach in early spring if they plant it right before the fall frost. Through the winter, shelter the young plants with a cold frame or thick mulch, then remove the protection when the area's soil temperature reaches 40ºF (5°C).
Common spinach cannot grow in mid-summer. Consider New Zealand Spinach or Malabar Spinach, two comparable leafy greens with a higher heat tolerance for a summer harvest.
If you live in a mild climate, Spinach can be also be planted in the fall.
Planting should be halted until the temperature of the soil cools sufficiently.
Where to Plant Spinach?
When it comes to cultivating spinach, there are a variety of possibilities. You might grow spinach indoors or outdoors, in pots on a terrace or courtyard, in a vegetable patch alongside other crops, or raised beds. We'll walk you through all the conditions required below:
Spinach should be grown in full sun. In warm climates, grow spinach in partial shade.
It would help if you planted spinach in well-drained, loamy soil that is high in organic matter. Before planting, add two inches of old compost or a commercial organic planting mix to the planting beds and till the soil to a depth of 12 inches (30cm).
Spinach grows best in soils with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.
Spinach is a resilient plant that thrives in cool weather - the ideal temperature range is 50-70°F (10-21°C).
Warm temperatures and long days allow spinach to bolt, that is, to blossom and set seed.
How to Plant Spinach?
Spinach is a nutritious and delicious vegetable that may be eaten straight from the garden or used in various recipes. Growing spinach in cool temperatures and with enough water is a successful endeavor. Spinach is knowns as a "superfood," rich in calcium, iron, and vitamins like A and C. Learn how to grow spinach and include this nutritious cool-season crop in your garden by following these simple instructions:
1. Sow seeds 12" (1cm) apart and 12" (1cm) deep
If planting in rows, ensure that the rows are at least eight inches (20cm) apart. This enables the seeds to mature without competing for space. Ensure that you get new seeds for planting each year as they do not remain viable for an extended period.
2. Cover the seeds with soil and lightly pat them down
You should not compress the soil over the seeds; rather, it should be light and fluffy. Ensure the seeds are completely covered in soil and are not exposed to the air.
3. Distribute mulch evenly over the planting area
Cover the soil in the planting area with a few inches of hay, straw, leaf, or grass mulch to prevent weeds from sprouting. Pulling undesired weeds may cause damage to the spinach roots, making mulching a useful weed management method.
4. Thoroughly water the planting area
Water the area using a hose or can with a mild shower setting. A powerful environment can disrupt or even wash away newly sown seeds.
5. Adapt to the heat
Consider utilizing cold frames or thick row covers to keep the soil cool during hot summers in a hot environment. If growing in hot weather, sow additional seeds and water them twice daily.
Tips to Avoid Pests and Diseases
If you're looking for a pest or disease-resistant crop, spinach is a gardener's dream because it rarely succumbs to any significant issues. These few tips will help avoid pests & diseases:
Aphids, flea beetles, leaf miners, slugs, and spider mites, among other pests, are attracted to spinach leaves, making them vulnerable to assault. You can remove aphids from plants by spraying them with a strong stream of water. Pinch out any foliage that has been heavily affected by the pest.
Remove the leaf miners that have been tunneled through the leaves. You may find their eggs on the undersides of the leaves if looked closely. Using floating row coverings makes it possible to keep leaf miner flies out of the planting bed.
It is possible to use Spinosad to kill flea beetles and spider mites.
Using diatomaceous earth to create a barrier around the plants will stop slugs and snails from consuming spinach.
Spinach is susceptible to a variety of diseases, including mildew, rust, and the mosaic virus. Planting cultivars that are resistant to rust and disease should be prioritized.
Yeasts such as mildew and rust, which can cause disease, are the plant’s fungus. You should sprinkle compost tea on leaves after they have been harvested to help prevent fungal diseases.
You should also remove plants infected with the mosaic virus from the garden. Leaf mottling or streaking in white or yellow is caused by the mosaic virus, which several different strains can cause.
It would help if you kept garbage and debris out of the garden. Plants that are infected with disease should be removed and destroyed.
Varieties of Spinach
There are numerous varieties of spinach. When it comes to growing them, each one has its own set of intricacies and nuances. Also, spinach leaves can be eaten raw or cooked in various ways. Let's learn about the spinach varieties!
1. Red Carnival
The ‘Red Cardinal’ leaves have red veins, while the stems are a deep red color. However, this variety must be harvested when the leaves are still young and tender as it bolts faster than any other type of green-leaved spinach.
2. New Zealand Spinach
The leaves of this plant are crisp and succulent, and it is native to New Zealand. The leaves practically melt in your mouth and can be consumed raw as well as cooked.
3. Malabar Spinach
This spinach variety requires a lot of summer heat, as well as a trellis to climb on to attain its maximum growth potential. These plants may reach up to ten-foot-tall vines. Plant this variety if you wish to add some height to your garden.
4. Catalina
This plant has thick, succulent leaves that are spear-shaped and have a succulent texture. The foliage structure makes it most suitable for cooking in the kitchen.
5. Indian Summer
This is an excellent and productive three-season spinach that can be harvested in the spring, summer, and fall. The leaves of the plant are smooth and flattened.
Watering and Feeding Spinach
Every plant requires care while growing. You must keep the following points in mind about watering and feeding spinach crops:
Keep the soil evenly moist throughout the growing season if you want to see rapid growth in your spinach.
It is best not to pour dirty water over leaves; instead, mulch surrounding plants with straw or chopped leaves to prevent soil from getting on the leaves.
Only use fertilizers if crucial due to delayed growth or as supplements if your soil pH is inadequate.
When the seedlings have sprung to around two inches in height, uproot and repot them at least 3-4 inches apart from each other.
Aside from thinning, there is little need for cultivation. It is easy to injure shallow roots since they are so little.
During the growing season, side-dress plants with compost tea or a dilute solution of fish emulsion every two weeks to keep them look their best.
Midseason is a good time to side-dress spinach with old compost.
Other Tips to Take Care of Growing Spinach
Growing spinach takes a bit of perseverance and care from your end. Keep these tips in mind when you wish to grow spinach plants:
Plant spinach at the appropriate time of the year: Spinach may be cultivated in virtually any climate if the proper conditions are met. Spinach thrives in temperatures ranging from 25°F to 75°F. Plant spinach as soon as the soil reaches temperatures fit for cultivation in chilly winter locations. Spinach requires around six weeks of cool weather from seed to harvest and may endure a light frost.
Choose an ideal place for spinach planting: Spinach thrives in conditions ranging from full sun to light shade. Spinach prefers fertile, moist soil that is neutral to alkaline in ph. (pH 7.0 or above). Before planting, enrich the soil with 2-4 inches of compost.
Plant spinach correctly: Plant seeds 12 inches deep and 2-4 inches apart. 4-6 inches tall, thin to 1 plant every 4-6 inches. Continue to plant seeds every few weeks. Plant 4-9 per square depending on the cultivar.
Grow spinach with care: Plant spinach at the appropriate period for your climate. Spinach prefers moist soil and regular seaweed or compost tea feedings. So, mulch plants with compost to keep them moist and thriving. Use row covers to avoid leaf miners and other pests. With time, remove damaged leaves.
For best flavor, pick young spinach: Harvest leaves when they reach your desired size. Larger leaves can become bitter; hence, harvest quickly. Harvest exterior leaves, leaving interior leaves for later harvest, or cut the plant off at the root.
When to Harvest Spinach?
How long does spinach take to grow? You can harvest spinach at any time. Cutting fosters fresh growth and new leaves, which makes all of us happy gardeners!
Spinach leaves can be harvested as soon as they reach a size that is suitable for consumption.
Plants with 6 to 8 leaves should have leaves 4 to 7 inches (10-17cm) length cut from them. Cut the oldest outer leaves first, as they are the most vulnerable. Allow the remaining young leaves to continue growing until they reach maturity.
To harvest the entire plant, cut the leaves 3 inches (7cm) above the soil level; fresh leaves will sprout on the plant, allowing for a second harvest.
Large and older leaves might be bitter; thus, pick leaves as soon as possible rather than waiting until later.
Bolting, flowering, and seed production in spinach are triggered by long days (days lasting more than 14 hours) and warm weather (temperatures greater than 75°F/24°C). The harvest will come to an end when the bolting begins.
How to Store and Preserve Spinach?
After harvesting the leaves successfully, you need to store them properly to prevent them from wilting and spoiling. For storing spinach, follow these steps:
Wash spinach well to remove any grit that may have adhered to the crinkled leaves in some cases.
You can store spinach in the refrigerator for up to a week.
You can also preserve spinach in a variety of ways, including freezing, canning, or drying.
Sprouting spinach seeds is a method of preparing the vegetable.
Spinach is one of the most straightforward plants to cultivate in your garden. It has a long growing season, is resilient, and requires little maintenance. Simply choosing a suitable location in your garden with adequate drainage is all that is required to get started. Getting started with spinach is straightforward after a little soil preparation and picking the kind you want to grow. You'll have plenty of leafy greens for salads and a variety of prepared dishes. When growing spinach, you may practice your green thumb while also enjoying the benefits of your effort.
Also Read:
How to Grow Basil in Your Garden
How to Grow Peanuts in Your Garden
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Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 9 m old child
4 hours ago
Q. hi mam , my baby 1 year and 9 month old just now onwards stop breast feeding .pls suggest formula milk to my baby
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. your baby is more than 1 year 9 months of age any milk including buffalo milk cows milk ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
4 hours ago
Q. #AskTheExpert hello dr.
baby planning kar rhi kuch tips btayiye conceive ho jaye
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. it's a natural process ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. when baby is kick? I'm 13 weeks pregnant
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
3 hours ago
A. during first pregnancy you may feel the baby movements after 24 to 25 weeks of pregnancy and till then only mild flatters may be felt but which you may not be feeling if you are doing some work
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
2 hours ago
Q. I’m in my 31 week 1 day of pregnancy. What will be my delivery date??
As I have low lying placenta with grade 1 maturity.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. you had to correlate is ultrasound examination. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
2 hours ago
Q. My hemoglobin is 6.4 from 28 weeks of pregnancy. Now I’m 31 weeks pregnant. What should I do?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. Haven’t when you having some kind of iron supplement because they’re very good during the time of pregnancy if you are not having one you need to start with and whatever tabs you take you should just take it with any good juice specially pomegranate juice that’s going to help in doubling the impact of the medicine that you’re taking secondly try and include more of Iron which diet like spinach broccoli beetroot pomegranate black rice sweet potato these things are exceptionally healthy for you to consume
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
1 hour ago
Q. This is my cbc report
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. No there is nothing visible on my wall so I can really really cannot help you can you please repose the question once again providing all the necessary details as once I’m certain what are you talking about what’s mentioned in the report according to that I can provide you proper help on your question
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