When to Plant Spinach in Ida County, IA
Spinach is a nutrient-packed cool-season green that grows quickly in spring and fall. It is rich in iron, vitamins, and antioxidants and excellent raw or cooked.
Ida County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and the first fall frost is October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.
At an elevation of 920 feet, Ida County receives approximately 38.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Spinach to ensure they mature before fall.
Ida County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.9
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
Spinach Planting Timeline — Ida County, IA
Spinach Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Direct Sow | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 9 |
| Fall Sowing | July 16 | Jul 16 – Jul 30 |
| Harvest | May 30 | May 30 – Aug 1 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
35–50 days
Soil pH
6.5 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 4b
Growing Season
166 days
Growing Tips for Ida County
Direct sow as soon as soil can be worked in spring. Plant in partial shade for summer crops to delay bolting. Succession plant every 2 weeks for continuous harvest.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Level Up Your Garden
Wind pollinated — isolate 1/2 mile for purity. Easy to let bolt in heat.
Spinach in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Spinach in Ida County, IA?
Ida County is in Zone 4b with an average last frost of April 25. Plan your Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ida County, IA?
Ida County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is April 25 and first fall frost is October 8.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Ida County gardeners in Zone 4b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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