When to Plant New Zealand Spinach in Westmoreland 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.
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 894 feet, Westmoreland County receives approximately 38.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for New Zealand Spinach during the growing season.
Westmoreland County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.2
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 — Westmoreland County, PA
New Zealand Spinach Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 7 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Direct Sow | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 21 |
| Harvest | July 2 | Jul 2 – Jul 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| 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 6a
Growing Season
187 days
Growing Tips for Westmoreland 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 Westmoreland County, PA?
Westmoreland County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 23. Plan your New Zealand Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Westmoreland County, PA?
Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 23 and first fall frost is October 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Westmoreland County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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