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When to plant Spinach in Inyo County, CA

Aim to plant Spinach in Inyo County on or after January 1; the window stays open through January 22. Inyo County's 330-day frost-free season gives you plenty of room for a spring and fall cycle. A second sowing from October 1 to October 15 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Spinach in Inyo County, CA

Spinach

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.

Inyo County, California is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is January 15 and the first fall frost is December 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 329 days.

At an elevation of 4,562 feet, Inyo County receives approximately 16.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Spinach during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Spinach successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Inyo County, CA (Zone 8b) Year-round
329 days
Last Spring Frost January 15
329 growing days
First Fall Frost December 10

Inyo County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Spinach

Spinach needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Spinach Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Feb 4.3" 3.4" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 1.3" 3" 🚿 Regular watering
May 4.3" 0.5" 3.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.1" 4.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 0" 4.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 0.2" 4.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 4.3" 0.6" 3.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in Inyo County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Spinach Planting Timeline — Inyo County, CA

Spinach Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors December 11 Dec 11 – Dec 25
Transplant Outdoors January 15 Jan 15 – Jan 29
Direct Sow January 1 Jan 1 – Jan 22
Harvest February 19 Feb 19 – Apr 23
Fall Sowing October 1 Oct 1 – Oct 15

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

35–50 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

329 days in Inyo County

Growing Tips for Inyo 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

🌾 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 35°F, under 45% humidity.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Spinach in Inyo County, CA?

Inyo County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of January 15. Plan your Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Inyo County, CA?

Inyo County, California is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is January 15 and first fall frost is December 10.

When should I plant Spinach in Inyo County, CA?

In Inyo County, CA, plant Spinach after the last frost (around January 15) and before the first frost (around December 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Inyo County, CA for Spinach?

Inyo County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Spinach grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Spinach grow in Inyo County's climate?

Yes — Spinach grows well in Inyo County's temperate climate. Inyo County averages a 330-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 15 and first frost around December 10.

🌱

Your Inyo County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Inyo County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Inyo County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.