Blog

When to plant Spinach in Douglas County, CO

Plant Spinach in Douglas County from May 8 to May 29 in spring. Douglas County sits in USDA Zone 5b, with last frost around May 22 and first frost on September 20. A second sowing from July 12 to July 26 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Spinach in Douglas County, CO

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.

Douglas County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 121 days.

At an elevation of 7,421 feet, Douglas County receives approximately 12.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85°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.

Douglas County, CO (Zone 5b) Short season
121 days
Last Spring Frost May 22
121 growing days
First Fall Frost September 20

Douglas County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-8.4

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 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 1" 3.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1" 3.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.1" 3.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 1.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Spinach Planting Timeline — Douglas County, CO

Spinach Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1
Transplant Outdoors May 22 May 22 – Jun 5
Direct Sow May 8 May 8 – May 29
Harvest June 26 Jun 26 – Aug 28
Fall Sowing July 12 Jul 12 – Jul 26

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

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 5b

📆 Growing Season

121 days in Douglas County

Growing Tips for Douglas 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 Douglas County, CO?

Douglas County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Douglas County, CO?

Douglas County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 20.

When should I plant Spinach in Douglas County, CO?

In Douglas County, CO, plant Spinach after the last frost (around May 22) and before the first frost (around September 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Douglas County, CO for Spinach?

Douglas 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 Douglas County's climate?

Yes — Spinach grows well in Douglas County's temperate climate. Douglas County averages a 121-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 22 and first frost around September 20.

🌱

Your Douglas County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Douglas 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.

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 Douglas County, CO. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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