When to Plant New Zealand Spinach in Benton County, WA
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, Washington is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 3 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.
At an elevation of 2,633 feet, Benton County receives approximately 22.5 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.
Benton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.3
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.
Soil Compatibility in Benton County
How your county's soil matches New Zealand Spinach's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.3) is more acidic than New Zealand Spinach prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Benton County is excellent for New Zealand Spinach — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — New Zealand Spinach will thrive.
How to Plant New Zealand Spinach
Succession Planting New Zealand Spinach
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 18 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for New Zealand Spinach
New Zealand Spinach needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | New Zealand Spinach Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.4" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.9" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.4" | 3.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Benton County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
New Zealand Spinach Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
New Zealand Spinach Planting Timeline — Benton County, WA
New Zealand Spinach Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Direct Sow | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 1 |
| Harvest | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jul 10 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
55–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
207 days in Benton County
Growing Tips for New Zealand Spinach in Benton County
Direct sow New Zealand Spinach outdoors after April 03 in Benton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Benton County receives only 22" of rain annually. New Zealand Spinach needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
General growing tips
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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
New Zealand Spinach in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant New Zealand Spinach in Benton County, WA?
Benton County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 3. Plan your New Zealand Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Benton County, WA?
Benton County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 3 and first fall frost is October 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Benton County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.