What is the ideal planting season for spinach?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Knowing when to plant spinach can mean the difference between great harvests and disappointing harvests. Spinach performs best in cool temperatures, but the exact timing varies significantly by location. I make adjustments to my plan based on decades of trial and error, as well as local frost data.
Spring Planting
- Start 4-6 weeks before last expected frost
- Soil temperature must reach 45°F minimum
- Use black plastic mulch for cold soil warming
- Select bolt-resistant varieties like Space
Fall Planting
- Begin 6-8 weeks before first expected frost
- Soil should be below 75°F for germination
- Apply straw mulch after light frosts
- Choose cold-hardy types like Winter Queen
Winter Planting
- Only viable in zones 8-10 during winter
- Soil must stay below 70°F to prevent bolting
- Use shade cloth during unexpected warm spells
- Plant bolt-resistant varieties for best results
Soil preparation directly correlates to planting success. Spinach prefers loose, well-drained soil with a pH level of 6.5 to 7.0. I amend the soil with three inches of compost before planting, in addition to conducting annual soil tests. Preparing the soil properly helps ensure strong root development and uptake of nutrients.
Different protection methods apply in each season. Spring plantings require frost covers when the temperature is below 35°F. Fall crops need mulch protection for cold temperatures. Winter plantings need shade cloth protection for heat spikes. I have all these supplies ready in case of a temperature change.
Your specific local microclimate will dictate more exact planting dates, as urban gardens will warm up sooner than rural gardens. South-facing slopes will thaw first in the spring. If it were me, I'd look at the soil conditions rather than the exact calendar dates. In my case, I actually take soil temperatures for three seasons before I plant.
Read the full article: When to Plant Spinach for Best Results
