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When to plant Spinach in Perry County, IL

In Perry County, plant Spinach in spring between March 26 and April 16, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Perry County's last frost averages April 9, so most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. For a fall crop, sow between August 11 and August 25 — roughly 35–50 days before the first frost on October 20.

When to Plant Spinach in Perry County, IL

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.

Perry County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 194 days.

At an elevation of 806 feet, Perry County receives approximately 36.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Spinach during the growing season.

Perry County, IL (Zone 7a) Moderate season
194 days
Last Spring Frost April 9
194 growing days
First Fall Frost October 20

Perry County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.1-7

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 1.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.2" 0.1" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Spinach Planting Timeline — Perry County, IL

Spinach Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 5 Mar 5 – Mar 19
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 – Apr 23
Direct Sow March 26 Mar 26 – Apr 16
Harvest May 14 May 14 – Jul 16
Fall Sowing August 11 Aug 11 – Aug 25

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
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 7a

📆 Growing Season

194 days in Perry County

Growing Tips for Perry 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 Perry County, IL?

Perry County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Perry County, IL?

Perry County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 20.

When should I plant Spinach in Perry County, IL?

In Perry County, IL, plant Spinach after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Perry County, IL for Spinach?

Perry County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Spinach grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Spinach grow in Perry County's climate?

Yes — Spinach grows well in Perry County's temperate climate. Perry County averages a 194-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 20.

🌱

Your Perry County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Perry County (Zone 7a). 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 Perry County, IL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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