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When to plant Spinach in Clinton County, MI

Plant Spinach in Clinton County from April 16 to May 7 in spring. Clinton County sits in USDA Zone 6a, with last frost around April 30 and first frost on October 13. A second sowing from August 4 to August 18 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Spinach in Clinton County, MI

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.

Clinton County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.

At an elevation of 519 feet, Clinton County receives approximately 34.1 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.

Clinton County, MI (Zone 6a) Moderate season
166 days
Last Spring Frost April 30
166 growing days
First Fall Frost October 13

Clinton County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.9-6.7

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 1.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 1.7" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 4.1" 0.2" 💧 Light watering
Jul 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" 💧 Light watering
Aug 4.3" 3.9" 0.4" 💧 Light watering
Sep 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 2.7" 1.6" 💧 Light watering
Nov 2.5" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

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

Spinach Planting Timeline — Clinton County, MI

Spinach Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 26 Mar 26 – Apr 9
Transplant Outdoors April 30 Apr 30 – May 14
Direct Sow April 16 Apr 16 – May 7
Harvest June 4 Jun 4 – Aug 6
Fall Sowing August 4 Aug 4 – Aug 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
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 6a

📆 Growing Season

166 days in Clinton County

Growing Tips for Clinton 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 Clinton County, MI?

Clinton County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Clinton County, MI?

Clinton County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 13.

When should I plant Spinach in Clinton County, MI?

In Clinton County, MI, plant Spinach after the last frost (around April 30) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Clinton County, MI for Spinach?

Clinton 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 Clinton County's climate?

Yes — Spinach grows well in Clinton County's temperate climate. Clinton County averages a 166-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 30 and first frost around October 13.

🌱

Your Clinton County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Clinton 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.

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 Clinton County, MI. 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.