When to Plant Spinach in Lake County, TN
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.
Lake County, Tennessee is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 215 days.
At an elevation of 3,977 feet, Lake County receives approximately 46.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Spinach during the growing season.
Lake County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.6-6.8
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
Spinach Planting Timeline — Lake County, TN
Spinach Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 13 |
| Direct Sow | March 16 | Mar 16 – Apr 6 |
| Fall Sowing | August 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
| Harvest | May 4 | May 4 – Jul 6 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 7a
Growing Season
215 days
Growing Tips for Lake 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 Lake County, TN?
Lake County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 30. Plan your Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lake County, TN?
Lake County, Tennessee is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 30 and first fall frost is October 31.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lake County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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