When to Plant New Zealand Spinach in Lauderdale County, TN
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.
Lauderdale County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 218 days.
At an elevation of 2,139 feet, Lauderdale County receives approximately 43 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for New Zealand Spinach during the growing season.
Lauderdale County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.8
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 — Lauderdale County, TN
New Zealand Spinach Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 8 | Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Direct Sow | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 26 |
| Harvest | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jul 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | — |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| 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 7a
Growing Season
218 days
Growing Tips for Lauderdale 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 Lauderdale County, TN?
Lauderdale County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your New Zealand Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lauderdale County, TN?
Lauderdale County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 2.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lauderdale County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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