Spinach Planting Guide
Nutritious leafy green ideal for cool seasons
Best Time and Place to Plant Spinach
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Spinach in a spot with 4+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 35F to 70F, and enough room for 3 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 1 to June 10 | August 1 to August 25 |
| Zone 2 | April 20 to June 1 | August 10 to September 10 |
| Zone 3 | April 10 to May 25 | August 15 to September 20 |
| Zone 4 | April 1 to May 20 | August 20 to October 1 |
| Zone 5 | March 20 to May 15 | August 25 to October 10 |
| Zone 6 | March 10 to May 10 | September 1 to October 20 |
| Zone 7 | March 1 to May 1 | September 10 to November 1 |
| Zone 8 | February 15 to April 20 | September 20 to November 15 |
| Zone 9 | February 1 to April 10 | October 1 to December 1 |
| Zone 10 | January 15 to March 30 | October 15 to December 15 |
| Zone 11 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
| Zone 12 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 0.5 inches deep
- Spacing: 3 inches apart, 12 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 35F to 70F
- Sunlight: 4+ hours
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, water regularly
- Days to harvest: 40
Fertilization
- High-nitrogen 21-0-0 synthetic: Side-dress every 3 weeks
- Blood Meal organic: 1 lb per 100 sq ft before planting
- Compost Tea organic: Weekly application
Companion Plants
- Strawberries
- Radishes
- Peas
- Beans
Avoid Planting Near
- Potatoes
Harvest Signs
- Leaves are large enough to eat (baby greens at 3-4 inches)
- Before plants bolt in warm weather
- Cut outer leaves, allowing center to continue growing
- Harvest entire plant before flowering starts
FAQs
When should I plant Spinach?
Spinach planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Spinach?
The best time of year to plant Spinach is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 35F to 70F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to May 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Spinach?
Plant Spinach in a spot with 4+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 35F to 70F, and enough room for 3 inches between plants and 12 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Spinach?
Plant Spinach about 3 inches apart, with rows around 12 inches apart.
What grows well with Spinach?
Spinach is commonly paired with Strawberries, Radishes, Peas, Beans.