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When to plant Spinach in Ingham County, MI

The best window to plant Spinach in Ingham County, is April 18–May 9, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits May 2; first frost October 13. A second sowing from August 4 to August 18 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Spinach in Ingham 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.

Ingham County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 164 days.

At an elevation of 554 feet, Ingham County receives approximately 31.4 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.

Ingham County, MI (Zone 6a) Moderate season
164 days
Last Spring Frost May 2
164 growing days
First Fall Frost October 13

Ingham County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Spinach Planting Timeline — Ingham County, MI

Spinach Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 28 Mar 28 – Apr 11
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 – May 16
Direct Sow April 18 Apr 18 – May 9
Harvest June 6 Jun 6 – Aug 8
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 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

164 days in Ingham County

Growing Tips for Ingham 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 Ingham County, MI?

Ingham County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Ingham County, MI?

Ingham County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 13.

When should I plant Spinach in Ingham County, MI?

In Ingham County, MI, plant Spinach after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Ingham County, MI for Spinach?

Ingham 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 Ingham County's climate?

Yes — Spinach grows well in Ingham County's temperate climate. Ingham County averages a 164-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 13.

🌱

Your Ingham County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Ingham 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.

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

Sources & credits

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