When to plant Spinach in Shingleton, MI
Spinach planted in Shingleton between April 26 and May 17 matures in 35–50 days — well before the October 16 first frost. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Spinach in Shingleton, MI
June to-do list for Alger County, Michigan
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Begin indoor sowing: spinach
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
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It's harvest week for spinach
If you can't use it all right away, check the food-preservation section of your planner.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- First harvests: spinach
Spinach is a nutrient-packed cool-season green that grows quickly in spring and fall. It is rich in iron, vitamins, and antioxidants and excellent raw or cooked.
Shingleton, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.
At an elevation of 1,014 feet, Alger County receives approximately 40.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Spinach to ensure they mature before fall.
Shingleton Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Spinach Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Shingleton
How your county's soil matches Spinach's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–7.1) overlaps with Spinach's range (6.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Alger County is excellent for Spinach — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Spinach.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.8%) — Spinach will thrive.
How to Plant Spinach
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Spinach
Sow every 4 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 07.
Spinach Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for Spinach
Spinach needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Spinach Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Alger County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Spinach Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Spinach Planting Timeline — Shingleton, MI
Spinach Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 17 |
| Harvest | June 14 | Jun 14 – Aug 16 |
| Fall Sowing | August 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
35–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
159 days in Alger County
Growing Tips for Spinach in Shingleton
Direct sow Spinach outdoors after May 10 in Alger County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 159.0-day season in Alger County allows multiple plantings of Spinach. Sow every 17.0 days for continuous harvest.
General growing tips
Direct sow as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Plant in partial shade for summer crops to delay bolting. Succession plant every 2 weeks for continuous harvest.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Wind pollinated — isolate 1/2 mile for purity. Easy to let bolt in heat.
Spinach in Other Locations
When should I plant Spinach in Shingleton, MI?
In Shingleton, MI, plant Spinach after the last frost (around May 10) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Shingleton, MI for Spinach?
Shingleton sits in USDA Zone 5a. Spinach grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Spinach grow in Shingleton's climate?
Yes — Spinach grows well in Shingleton's temperate climate. Shingleton averages a 159-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 10 and first frost around October 16.
Your Alger County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Alger County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.