When to Plant New Zealand Spinach in Monroe 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.
Monroe County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 197 days.
At an elevation of 3,185 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 48.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for New Zealand Spinach during the growing season.
Monroe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.8
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 — Monroe County, TN
New Zealand Spinach Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Harvest | June 18 | Jun 18 – Jul 16 |
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 7a
Growing Season
197 days
Growing Tips for Monroe 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 Monroe County, TN?
Monroe County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your New Zealand Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Monroe County, TN?
Monroe County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 23.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Monroe County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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