When to Plant Spinach in Vermillion County, IN
Your May gardening checklist
Your Vermillion County, Indiana garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Begin indoor sowing: spinach
Your window is short. These crops want several weeks of indoor growth before they go outside.
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Pick spinach
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
June prep starts now
- 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.
Vermillion County, Indiana is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 719 feet, Vermillion County receives approximately 37.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Spinach during the growing season.
Vermillion County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.9-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Vermillion County
How your county's soil matches Spinach's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.9–7.1) overlaps with Spinach's range (6.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Vermillion County is excellent for Spinach — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Spinach.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.4%) — 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 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 07.
Plant 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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 3.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3" | 3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Vermillion 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 — Vermillion County, IN
Spinach Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Direct Sow | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 21 |
| Harvest | May 19 | May 19 – Jul 21 |
| Fall Sowing | August 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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
0.7"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
35–50 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
185 days in Vermillion County
Growing Tips for Spinach in Vermillion County
Direct sow Spinach outdoors after April 14 in Vermillion County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Vermillion County reach 91°F — grow Spinach as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
Your generous 185.0-day season in Vermillion 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 Vermillion 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 Vermillion County, IN?
Vermillion County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 14. Plan your Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Vermillion County, IN?
Vermillion County, Indiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and first fall frost is October 16.
Your Vermillion County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Vermillion 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.