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When to plant Spinach in La Plata County, CO

Plant Spinach in La Plata County from May 17 to June 7 in spring. La Plata County sits in USDA Zone 6a, with last frost around May 31 and first frost on September 21. A second sowing from July 13 to July 27 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Spinach in La Plata 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.

La Plata County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and the first fall frost is September 21, giving you a growing season of approximately 113 days.

At an elevation of 5,246 feet, La Plata County receives approximately 14.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Spinach to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Spinach successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

La Plata County, CO (Zone 6a) Short season
113 days
Last Spring Frost May 31
113 growing days
First Fall Frost September 21

La Plata County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.9

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 0.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 4.3" 0.9" 3.4" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.3" 3" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Spinach Planting Timeline — La Plata County, CO

Spinach Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 26 Apr 26 – May 10
Transplant Outdoors May 31 May 31 – Jun 14
Direct Sow May 17 May 17 – Jun 7
Harvest July 5 Jul 5 – Sep 6
Fall Sowing July 13 Jul 13 – Jul 27

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 Direct Sow
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

113 days in La Plata County

Growing Tips for La Plata 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 La Plata County, CO?

La Plata County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 31. Plan your Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is La Plata County, CO?

La Plata County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 31 and first fall frost is September 21.

When should I plant Spinach in La Plata County, CO?

In La Plata County, CO, plant Spinach after the last frost (around May 31) and before the first frost (around September 21). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is La Plata County, CO for Spinach?

La Plata County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Spinach grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Spinach grow in La Plata County's climate?

Yes — Spinach grows well in La Plata County's temperate climate. La Plata County averages a 113-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 31 and first frost around September 21.

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Your La Plata County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for La Plata County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for La Plata County, CO. 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.