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When to Plant Spinach in Hancock County, MS

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.

Hancock County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 268 days.

At an elevation of 373 feet, Hancock County receives approximately 50.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 94Β°F, providing good warmth for Spinach during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring β€” great for early planting β€” but Spinach will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Spinach root diseases.

Hancock County, MS (Zone 8b) Long season
268 days
Last Spring Frost March 4
268 growing days
First Fall Frost November 27

Hancock County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sandy Loam

Soil pH

4.8-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Spinach

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 Spinach Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 3.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 3.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 4.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" πŸ’§ Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" πŸ’§ Light watering
Jul 4.3" 5.9" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.6" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" πŸ’§ Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 4" 0.3" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Hancock County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Spinach Planting Timeline β€” Hancock County, MS

Spinach Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 28 Jan 28 – Feb 11
Transplant Outdoors March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 18
Direct Sow February 18 Feb 18 – Mar 11
Harvest April 8 Apr 8 – Jun 10
Fall Sowing September 18 Sep 18 – Oct 2

Plant 0.5" deep Β· 6" apart Β· Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Harvest
May Harvest
June Harvest
July β€”
August β€”
September Fall Sowing
October Fall Sowing
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

35–50 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6.5–7.5 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

πŸ“† Growing Season

268 days in Hancock County

Growing Tips for Hancock 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 Save Your Own Spinach Seeds
Life Cycle Annual
Pollination Wind Pollinated
How to Collect Let plants bolt. Harvest seed stalks when seeds turn tan.
Storage Store airtight; viable 5 years at 35Β°F, under 45% humidity.

Wind pollinated β€” isolate 1/2 mile for purity. Easy to let bolt in heat.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Spinach in Hancock County, MS?

Hancock County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 4. Plan your Spinach planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Hancock County, MS?

Hancock County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 4 and first fall frost is November 27.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Hancock County gardeners in Zone 8b 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.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Hancock County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.