When to Plant Spinach in Steele County, ND
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.
Steele County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and the first fall frost is October 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 143 days.
At an elevation of 624 feet, Steele County receives approximately 21.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Spinach to ensure they mature before fall.
Steele County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.2
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
Spinach Planting Timeline — Steele County, ND
Spinach Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 11 | May 11 – May 25 |
| Direct Sow | May 4 | May 4 – May 25 |
| Fall Sowing | July 9 | Jul 9 – Jul 23 |
| Harvest | June 15 | Jun 15 – Aug 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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 3b
Growing Season
143 days
Growing Tips for Steele 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 Steele County, ND?
Steele County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 11. Plan your Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Steele County, ND?
Steele County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 11 and first fall frost is October 1.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Steele County gardeners in Zone 3b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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