When to Plant New Zealand Spinach in Lake County, MI
New Zealand spinach is a heat-tolerant ground-cover plant with thick, triangular leaves that taste similar to true spinach. It thrives in hot weather when regular spinach bolts.
Lake County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 145 days.
At an elevation of 733 feet, Lake County receives approximately 33.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for New Zealand Spinach during the growing season.
Lake County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
New Zealand Spinach Planting Timeline — Lake County, MI
New Zealand Spinach Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 28 | May 28 – Jun 11 |
| Direct Sow | May 21 | May 21 – Jun 11 |
| Harvest | July 23 | Jul 23 – Aug 20 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
55–70 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 5a
Growing Season
145 days
Growing Tips for Lake County
Soak seeds overnight before planting. Direct sow after last frost. Pinch growing tips regularly to encourage bushy growth and tender new leaves.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
New Zealand Spinach in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant New Zealand Spinach in Lake County, MI?
Lake County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 14. Plan your New Zealand Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lake County, MI?
Lake County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and first fall frost is October 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lake County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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