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When to Plant Spinach in Newton 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.

Newton County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 230 days.

At an elevation of 236 feet, Newton County receives approximately 51.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96ยฐF, so Spinach may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Spinach, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Spinach root diseases.

Newton County, MS (Zone 8a) Long season
230 days
Last Spring Frost March 21
230 growing days
First Fall Frost November 6

Newton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (135 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 3 Transplant: Mar 10 🍅 Harvest: Apr 14 – Jun 16
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (132 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 14 Transplant: Mar 21 🍅 Harvest: Apr 25 – Jun 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (130 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 6 Transplant: Apr 10 🍅 Harvest: May 15 – Jul 17

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

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 155 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Spinach needs ~935 GDD — county provides 5,060 GDD Excellent fit

Spinach Planting Timeline โ€” Newton County, MS

Spinach Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 14 Feb 14 โ€“ Feb 28
Transplant Outdoors March 21 Mar 21 โ€“ Apr 4
Direct Sow March 7 Mar 7 โ€“ Mar 28
Fall Sowing August 28 Aug 28 โ€“ Sep 11
Harvest April 25 Apr 25 โ€“ Jun 27

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 6" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

35โ€“50 days

Soil pH

6.5 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

230 days

Growing Tips for Newton 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

๐ŸŒพ 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 35ยฐF, under 45% humidity.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Spinach in Newton County, MS?

Newton County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Spinach planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Newton County, MS?

Newton County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 6.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Newton County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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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 Newton County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.