When to Plant New Zealand Spinach in Erie County, PA
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.
Erie County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 171 days.
At an elevation of 236 feet, Erie County receives approximately 47.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of New Zealand Spinach to ensure they mature before fall.
Erie County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.4
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 — Erie County, PA
New Zealand Spinach Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Direct Sow | May 11 | May 11 – Jun 1 |
| Harvest | July 13 | Jul 13 – Aug 10 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| 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 5b
Growing Season
171 days
Growing Tips for Erie 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 Erie County, PA?
Erie County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 4. Plan your New Zealand Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Erie County, PA?
Erie County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 4 and first fall frost is October 22.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Erie County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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