When to Plant New Zealand Spinach in Washtenaw County, MI
May in Washtenaw County, Michigan — your action list
Here's what deserves your attention in Washtenaw County, Michigan this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Move new zealand spinach from tray to bed
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
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Direct-sow new zealand spinach
Mark the row. Birds and stray feet both have opinions about unmarked beds.
Looking ahead to June
- Starting indoors: new zealand spinach
New Zealand spinach is a heat-tolerant ground-cover plant with thick, triangular leaves that taste similar to true spinach. It thrives in hot weather when regular spinach bolts.
Washtenaw County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 737 feet, Washtenaw County receives approximately 38 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for New Zealand Spinach during the growing season.
Washtenaw County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.2
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 Washtenaw County
How your county's soil matches New Zealand Spinach's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.2) is within New Zealand Spinach's preferred range (6.0–7.5).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Washtenaw County is excellent for New Zealand Spinach — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for New Zealand Spinach.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.5%) — New Zealand Spinach will thrive.
How to Plant New Zealand Spinach
Succession Planting New Zealand Spinach
Sow every 6.3 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 07 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Monthly Watering Guide for New Zealand Spinach
New Zealand 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 | New Zealand Spinach Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.7" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Washtenaw County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
New Zealand 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.
New Zealand Spinach Planting Timeline — Washtenaw County, MI
New Zealand Spinach Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 18 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 13 | May 13 – May 27 |
| Direct Sow | May 6 | May 6 – May 27 |
| Harvest | July 8 | Jul 8 – Aug 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
55–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
170 days in Washtenaw County
Growing Tips for New Zealand Spinach in Washtenaw County
Direct sow New Zealand Spinach outdoors after April 29 in Washtenaw County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
General growing tips
Soak seeds overnight before planting. Direct sow after last frost. Pinch growing tips regularly to encourage bushy growth and tender new leaves.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
New Zealand Spinach in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant New Zealand Spinach in Washtenaw County, MI?
Washtenaw County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 29. Plan your New Zealand Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Washtenaw County, MI?
Washtenaw County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 29 and first fall frost is October 16.
Your Washtenaw County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Washtenaw 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.