When to plant Spinach in Crowley County, CO
For Spinach in Crowley County, the safe spring window opens around April 12 and closes around May 3. Last expected frost is April 26, first fall frost October 9, giving a 166-day growing season. A second sowing from July 31 to August 14 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Spinach in Crowley County, CO
Crowley County, Colorado gardeners: here's your August plan
Each item below is timed to Crowley County, Colorado's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Bring in the spinach
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
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.
Crowley County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and the first fall frost is October 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.
At an elevation of 5,963 feet, Crowley County receives approximately 17.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90°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.
Crowley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.6
Drainage
Well Drained
Spinach 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.
Soil Compatibility in Crowley County
How your county's soil matches Spinach's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.6) overlaps with Spinach's range (6.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Crowley County is excellent for Spinach — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Spinach.
How to Plant Spinach
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Spinach
Sow every 4 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 20 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 31.
Spinach Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Spinach
Spinach needs approximately 0.7 inches of water per week (3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Spinach Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 1.8" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3" | 2.2" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3" | 1.3" | 1.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3" | 1.6" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3" | 2.1" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3" | 1.3" | 1.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3" | 1.4" | 1.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Crowley County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Spinach Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Spinach Planting Timeline — Crowley County, CO
Spinach Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 22 | Mar 22 – Apr 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Direct Sow | April 12 | Apr 12 – May 3 |
| Harvest | May 31 | May 31 – Aug 2 |
| Fall Sowing | July 31 | Jul 31 – Aug 14 |
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 | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.7"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
35–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
166 days in Crowley County
Growing Tips for Spinach in Crowley County
Direct sow Spinach outdoors after April 26 in Crowley County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 166.0-day season in Crowley County allows multiple plantings of Spinach. Sow every 17.0 days for continuous harvest.
General growing tips
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.
Recommended Spinach Varieties for Crowley County
Slow-bolting spinach for warm springs — best as fall crop here
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
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 Crowley County, CO?
Crowley County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 26. Plan your Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Crowley County, CO?
Crowley County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 26 and first fall frost is October 9.
When should I plant Spinach in Crowley County, CO?
In Crowley County, CO, plant Spinach after the last frost (around April 26) and before the first frost (around October 9). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Crowley County, CO for Spinach?
Crowley County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Spinach grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Spinach grow in Crowley County's climate?
Yes — Spinach grows well in Crowley County's temperate climate. Crowley County averages a 166-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 26 and first frost around October 9.
Your Crowley County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Crowley County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.