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A serving of savory spinach balls presented on a white plate.

Best way to grow 5-inch spinach balls

This recipe is for growing 5-inch spinach balls, a whimsical and decorative way to enjoy your greens. It's more of a gardening project than a culinary one, resulting in unique edible sculptures.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 1 plant
Calories 10 kcal

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Shallow tray
  • Gardening gloves

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 packet Spinach seeds
  • 2 cups Potting soil
  • 1 cup Compost
  • 1 bag Sphagnum moss
  • 10 feet Twine biodegradable

Nutrient Solution

  • 1 tablespoon Liquid plant food
  • 1 gallon Water

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a large bowl, mix potting soil and compost thoroughly to create a rich growing medium for your spinach.

Forming the Spinach Ball

  • Take a handful of sphagnum moss and form it into a loose ball, about 4 inches in diameter.
  • Gently press a thin layer of the soil-compost mixture onto the surface of the moss ball, ensuring it adheres well.
  • Sprinkle spinach seeds evenly over the soil-covered moss ball, then lightly press them in so they make good contact with the soil.
  • Carefully wrap the entire ball with biodegradable twine, creating a loose网 (wang - mesh) pattern to hold everything in place as the spinach grows.

Nurturing Growth

  • Mix the liquid plant food with water according to package directions to create a dilute nutrient solution.
  • Place the spinach ball in a shallow tray and water it thoroughly with the nutrient solution, ensuring the moss and soil are completely moistened.
  • Place the tray in a sunny location and re-moisten the spinach ball daily, or as needed, to keep it consistently damp.
  • Once the spinach sprouts, continue to nurture it with sunlight and regular watering, gently rotating the ball weekly to encourage even growth.
  • As the spinach grows, it will eventually cover the twine and moss, forming a beautiful 5-inch spinach ball ready for harvesting.

Notes

Keep the spinach ball consistently moist, especially during germination. Indirect morning sun is often best to prevent drying out. You can hang the spinach balls once they are established for a visually appealing edible display.