When to plant Spinach in Jo Daviess County, IL
For Jo Daviess County, gardeners: plant Spinach April 10 through May 1 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 2 to August 16 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Spinach in Jo Daviess County, IL
June in the garden — Jo Daviess County, Illinois
Welcome to June in Zone 5a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
It's harvest week for spinach
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- 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.
Jo Daviess County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 501 feet, Jo Daviess County receives approximately 35.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Spinach during the growing season.
Jo Daviess County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.3
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 Jo Daviess County
How your county's soil matches Spinach's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.3) overlaps with Spinach's range (6.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Jo Daviess County is excellent for Spinach — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Spinach will thrive.
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 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 02.
Spinach Water Budget
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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 2.8" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Jo Daviess 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 — Jo Daviess County, IL
Spinach Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 3 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 24 | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Direct Sow | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 1 |
| Harvest | May 29 | May 29 – Jul 31 |
| Fall Sowing | August 2 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Jo Daviess County
Growing Tips for Spinach in Jo Daviess County
Direct sow Spinach outdoors after April 24 in Jo Daviess County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 170.0-day season in Jo Daviess 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.
Recommended Spinach Varieties for Jo Daviess County
Slow-bolting spinach for warm springs — best as fall crop here
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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Spinach in Jo Daviess County, IL?
Jo Daviess County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of April 24. Plan your Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jo Daviess County, IL?
Jo Daviess County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is April 24 and first fall frost is October 11.
When should I plant Spinach in Jo Daviess County, IL?
In Jo Daviess County, IL, plant Spinach after the last frost (around April 24) and before the first frost (around October 11). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Jo Daviess County, IL for Spinach?
Jo Daviess 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 Jo Daviess County's climate?
Yes — Spinach grows well in Jo Daviess County's temperate climate. Jo Daviess County averages a 170-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 24 and first frost around October 11.
Your Jo Daviess County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Jo Daviess 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.