When to Plant Spinach in Licking 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.
Licking County, Ohio is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 178 days.
At an elevation of 880 feet, Licking County receives approximately 31.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Spinach during the growing season.
Licking County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-7.1
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 — Licking County, OH
Spinach Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Direct Sow | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 1 |
| Fall Sowing | August 10 | Aug 10 – Aug 24 |
| Harvest | May 29 | May 29 – Jul 31 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow 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 5b
Growing Season
178 days
Growing Tips for Licking 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 Licking County, OH?
Licking County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Licking County, OH?
Licking County, Ohio is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 19.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Licking County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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