Blog

When to plant Spinach in Henry County, IA

Plant Spinach in Henry County from April 7 to April 28 in spring. Henry County sits in USDA Zone 5b, with last frost around April 21 and first frost on October 14. A second sowing from August 5 to August 19 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Spinach in Henry County, IA

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.

Henry County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and the first fall frost is October 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 176 days.

At an elevation of 879 feet, Henry County receives approximately 40.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Spinach during the growing season.

Henry County, IA (Zone 5b) Moderate season
176 days
Last Spring Frost April 21
176 growing days
First Fall Frost October 14

Henry County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.8-7.2

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 1.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
May 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 4.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 1.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Spinach Planting Timeline — Henry County, IA

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 5 Aug 5 – Aug 19

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

176 days in Henry County

Growing Tips for Henry 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 Henry County, IA?

Henry 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 Henry County, IA?

Henry County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 21 and first fall frost is October 14.

When should I plant Spinach in Henry County, IA?

In Henry County, IA, plant Spinach after the last frost (around April 21) and before the first frost (around October 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Henry County, IA for Spinach?

Henry 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 Henry County's climate?

Yes — Spinach grows well in Henry County's temperate climate. Henry County averages a 176-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 21 and first frost around October 14.

🌱

Your Henry County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Henry 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.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Henry County, IA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.