When to Plant Spinach in Amherst County, VA
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.
Amherst County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 204 days.
At an elevation of 242 feet, Amherst County receives approximately 49.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Spinach during the growing season.
Amherst County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-7
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 | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.4" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Amherst County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Spinach Planting Timeline — Amherst County, VA
Spinach Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Harvest | May 15 | May 15 – Jul 17 |
| Fall Sowing | August 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 6" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
204 days in Amherst County
Growing Tips for Amherst 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 Amherst County, VA?
Amherst County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Spinach planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Amherst County, VA?
Amherst County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 31.
Your Amherst County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Amherst County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.