When to plant Spinach in Stark County, IL
Stark County's climate puts the Spinach spring window between April 7 and April 28. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 3 to August 17 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Spinach in Stark County, IL
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.
Stark County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 1,071 feet, Stark County receives approximately 33.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Spinach to ensure they mature before fall.
Stark County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6-6.9
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 2.8" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Stark County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Spinach Planting Timeline — Stark County, IL
Spinach Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 17 | Mar 17 – Mar 31 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 5 |
| Direct Sow | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 28 |
| Harvest | May 26 | May 26 – Jul 28 |
| Fall Sowing | August 3 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors 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 5b
📆 Growing Season
174 days in Stark County
Growing Tips for Stark 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 →
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 Stark County, IL?
Stark County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 21. Plan your Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Stark County, IL?
Stark County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 12.
When should I plant Spinach in Stark County, IL?
In Stark County, IL, plant Spinach after the last frost (around April 21) and before the first frost (around October 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Stark County, IL for Spinach?
Stark 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 Stark County's climate?
Yes — Spinach grows well in Stark County's temperate climate. Stark County averages a 174-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 12.
Your Stark County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Stark 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.