When to Plant Spinach in Cherry County, NE
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.
Cherry County, Nebraska is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 149 days.
At an elevation of 980 feet, Cherry County receives approximately 24.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Spinach to ensure they mature before fall.
Cherry County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.7-7.3
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 | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 3.2" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 1.7" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 2.4" | 1.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Cherry County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Spinach Planting Timeline — Cherry County, NE
Spinach Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 17 |
| Harvest | June 14 | Jun 14 – Aug 16 |
| Fall Sowing | July 28 | Jul 28 – Aug 11 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
149 days in Cherry County
Growing Tips for Cherry 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 →
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 Cherry County, NE?
Cherry County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cherry County, NE?
Cherry County, Nebraska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 6.
Your Cherry County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cherry County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.