When to plant Spinach in Pine, CO
Plant Spinach in Pine, when soil hits 50°F — usually April 30. Continue planting through May 21 for the spring crop. A second sowing from July 18 to August 1 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Spinach in Pine, CO
July in the garden — Jefferson County, Colorado
Each item below is timed to Jefferson County, Colorado's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Pick spinach
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
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Kick off the fall garden with spinach
Fall crops get sweeter with a light frost. Don't be afraid of cool nights.
A few tasks this July that'll pay off in August
- First harvests: 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.
Pine, Colorado is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 14 and the first fall frost is September 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 135 days.
At an elevation of 5,376 feet, Jefferson County receives approximately 22.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Spinach to ensure they mature before fall.
Pine Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.7
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 Pine
How your county's soil matches Spinach's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.7) overlaps with Spinach's range (6.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Jefferson 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 07 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 18.
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3" | 2.6" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3" | 1.8" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3" | 1.9" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3" | 2.4" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3" | 1.7" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Jefferson 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 — Pine, CO
Spinach Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
| Direct Sow | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 21 |
| Harvest | June 18 | Jun 18 – Aug 20 |
| Fall Sowing | July 18 | Jul 18 – Aug 1 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
35–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
135 days in Jefferson County
Growing Tips for Spinach in Pine
Direct sow Spinach outdoors after May 14 in Jefferson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 135.0-day season in Jefferson 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.
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
When should I plant Spinach in Pine, CO?
In Pine, CO, plant Spinach after the last frost (around May 14) and before the first frost (around September 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pine, CO for Spinach?
Pine sits in USDA Zone 6a. Spinach grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Spinach grow in Pine's climate?
Yes — Spinach grows well in Pine's temperate climate. Pine averages a 135-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 14 and first frost around September 26.
Your Jefferson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Jefferson 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.