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When to plant Spinach in Bear Lake County, ID

Spring Spinach in Bear Lake County goes in May 10–May 31, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from July 16 to July 30 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Spinach in Bear Lake County, ID

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.

Bear Lake County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 24 and the first fall frost is September 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 123 days.

At an elevation of 5,220 feet, Bear Lake County receives approximately 18.6 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.

Bear Lake County, ID (Zone 5a) Short season
123 days
Last Spring Frost May 24
123 growing days
First Fall Frost September 24

Bear Lake County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.7-8.2

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 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
May 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 1.1" 3.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.6" 2.7" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.5" 2.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Nov 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Spinach Planting Timeline — Bear Lake County, ID

Spinach Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 19 Apr 19 – May 3
Transplant Outdoors May 24 May 24 – Jun 7
Direct Sow May 10 May 10 – May 31
Harvest June 28 Jun 28 – Aug 30
Fall Sowing July 16 Jul 16 – Jul 30

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 5a

📆 Growing Season

123 days in Bear Lake County

Growing Tips for Bear Lake 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 Bear Lake County, ID?

Bear Lake County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 24. Plan your Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Bear Lake County, ID?

Bear Lake County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 24 and first fall frost is September 24.

When should I plant Spinach in Bear Lake County, ID?

In Bear Lake County, ID, plant Spinach after the last frost (around May 24) and before the first frost (around September 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Bear Lake County, ID for Spinach?

Bear Lake County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Spinach grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Spinach grow in Bear Lake County's climate?

Yes — Spinach grows well in Bear Lake County's temperate climate. Bear Lake County averages a 123-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 24 and first frost around September 24.

🌱

Your Bear Lake County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Bear Lake County (Zone 5a). 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 Bear Lake County, ID. 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.