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When to plant Spinach in Ouray County, CO

Plant Spinach in Ouray County after June 18; the prime window is June 4–June 25. A second sowing from July 2 to July 16 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Spinach in Ouray 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.

Ouray County, Colorado is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 18 and the first fall frost is September 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 84 days.

At an elevation of 7,449 feet, Ouray County receives approximately 12.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°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.

Ouray County, CO (Zone 5b) Very short season
84 days
Last Spring Frost June 18
84 growing days
First Fall Frost September 10

Ouray County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.4-8.3

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 0.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 1.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Jun 4.3" 1" 3.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.2" 3.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.1" 3.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 0.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Spinach Planting Timeline — Ouray County, CO

Spinach Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors May 14 May 14 – May 28
Transplant Outdoors June 18 Jun 18 – Jul 2
Direct Sow June 4 Jun 4 – Jun 25
Harvest July 23 Jul 23 – Sep 24
Fall Sowing July 2 Jul 2 – Jul 16

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April
May Start Indoors
June Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
July Transplant Outdoors 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 5b

📆 Growing Season

84 days in Ouray County

Growing Tips for Ouray 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 Ouray County, CO?

Ouray County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of June 18. Plan your Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ouray County, CO?

Ouray County, Colorado is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is June 18 and first fall frost is September 10.

When should I plant Spinach in Ouray County, CO?

In Ouray County, CO, plant Spinach after the last frost (around June 18) and before the first frost (around September 10). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Ouray County, CO for Spinach?

Ouray 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 Ouray County's climate?

Yes — Spinach grows well in Ouray County's temperate climate. Ouray County averages a 84-day frost-free season, with last frost around June 18 and first frost around September 10.

🌱

Your Ouray County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Ouray 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 Ouray 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.