Can spinach survive winter conditions?

With winter protection, spinach can survive freezing temperatures. The cold-hardy variety, Winter Queen, can survive temperatures as low as 20°F without covers, while certain methods can help it survive even colder temperatures below 0°F. During my years of overwintering spinach in zone 5b, these methods have consistently worked well.

Opt for cold-hardy varieties bred for winter hardiness. Winter Giant can survive at -10°F with protection, and Olympia can endure multiple freeze-thaw events. Forget summer types that have no frost tolerance. I test new cultivars every year to improve their performance.

Get plants ready ahead of frost. Harden off spinach by reducing water in the late fall. Apply balanced fertilizer approximately six weeks before the first freeze. I stop harvesting roughly six weeks ahead of frost to prepare for winter stress on plants.

Watch plants through the winter thaw periods for any ice damage or rodent incursion underneath coverings. Aerate when you have a warm spell to prevent fungal growth due to accumulated moisture. My spinach is checked weekly, and I record temperatures and conditions of the plants.

You can cut spinach all winter long, during milder spells. I usually pick outer leaves on days when the temperature is above freezing. After I pick leaves off the plant, I cover it immediately. I typically pick small amounts every week, continually harvesting and allowing the plant to build its energy reserves for continued survival.

Reactivate plants in early spring. When temperatures rise above the freezing mark, consistently remove heavy protection. Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to initiate new growth. I will start uncovering plants very slowly over about two weeks to help prevent shock.

Read the full article: When to Plant Spinach for Best Results