When to Plant New Zealand Spinach in Benton County, OR
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.
Benton County, Oregon is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 30, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 97 feet, Benton County receives approximately 53.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for New Zealand Spinach during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent New Zealand Spinach root diseases.
Benton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.2
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
New Zealand Spinach Planting Timeline — Benton County, OR
New Zealand Spinach Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 24 | Feb 24 – Mar 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 28 | Apr 28 – May 12 |
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Harvest | June 23 | Jun 23 – Jul 21 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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 8a
Growing Season
199 days
Growing Tips for Benton 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
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant New Zealand Spinach in Benton County, OR?
Benton County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your New Zealand Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Benton County, OR?
Benton County, Oregon is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 30.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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