When to plant Spinach in Lee County County,
Aim to plant Spinach in Lee County County on or after April 2; the window stays open through April 23. Lee County County's 185-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 9 to August 23 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Spinach in Lee County, IA
Top priorities for Lee County, Iowa gardeners in June
Each item below is timed to Lee County, Iowa's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Collect spinach at their peak
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
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.
Lee County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.
At an elevation of 1,393 feet, Lee County receives approximately 36.8 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.
Lee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7.2
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 Lee County
How your county's soil matches Spinach's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.2) overlaps with Spinach's range (6.5–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lee 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 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 09.
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3" | 3.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3" | 2.9" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3" | 2.9" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Lee 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 — Lee County, IA
Spinach Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 16 | Apr 16 – Apr 30 |
| Direct Sow | April 2 | Apr 2 – Apr 23 |
| Harvest | May 21 | May 21 – Jul 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 9 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
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 | 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 Lee County
Growing Tips for Spinach in Lee County
Direct sow Spinach outdoors after April 16 in Lee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Your generous 185.0-day season in Lee 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.
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 Lee County, IA?
Lee County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lee County, IA?
Lee County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 18.
When should I plant Spinach in Lee County, ?
In Lee County, , plant Spinach after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lee County, for Spinach?
Lee County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Spinach grows reliably in zones 2a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Spinach grow in Lee County's climate?
Yes — Spinach grows well in Lee County's temperate climate. Lee County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 18.
Your Lee County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lee 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.