When to Plant Spinach in Franklin County, OH
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.
Franklin County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 184 days.
At an elevation of 1,278 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 41 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Spinach during the growing season.
Franklin County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-6.9
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
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Spinach Planting Timeline — Franklin County, OH
Spinach Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Direct Sow | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 27 |
| Fall Sowing | August 12 | Aug 12 – Aug 26 |
| Harvest | May 25 | May 25 – Jul 27 |
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 Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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 6a
Growing Season
184 days
Growing Tips for Franklin 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 Franklin County, OH?
Franklin County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Franklin County, OH?
Franklin County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 21.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Franklin County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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