When To Plant Spinach In Pa

If you’re wondering when to plant spinach in PA, you’ve come to the right place. Getting the timing right is the single most important step for a great harvest, and Pennsylvania’s varied climate means you have two main windows to get it right.

Spinach is a cool-season champion. It thrives in the crisp temperatures of spring and fall, but bolts and turns bitter when summer heat arrives. This guide will walk you through the best planting times for your specific region of the state and give you the tips you need for success.

Pennsylvania spans USDA Hardiness Zones 5b through 7a, which means planting dates can shift by a few weeks depending on where you live. Generally, you’ll plant in early spring and again in late summer for a fall crop.

Spring Planting in Pennsylvania

For spring, the goal is to get seeds into the ground as soon as the soil is workable. Spinach seeds can germinate in soil temperatures as low as 35°F.

Eastern PA (Zones 6b-7a): Plant from late March to mid-April.
Central PA (Zone 6a): Aim for early to mid-April.
Western & Northern PA (Zones 5b-6a): Target mid to late April.

A good rule of thumb is to plant 4-6 weeks before your last expected spring frost. You can find your local frost date through your county’s extension office.

Fall Planting for a Longer Harvest

Fall planting is often more productive than spring. The days are getting shorter and cooler, which spinach prefers. You’ll need to count backwards from your first fall frost date.

For a late fall harvest: Plant seeds 6-8 weeks before the first fall frost. This is usually from late August to mid-September.
For an overwintering crop: Plant in early to mid-October. The plants will establish roots before winter, go dormant under snow or mulch, and then surge back with an very early spring harvest.

Using a Soil Thermometer

Don’t guess on soil temperature. A simple soil thermometer is a gardener’s best friend for timing cool-season crops. When the soil at planting depth consistently reads above 40°F, it’s go time for spring.

Choosing the Right Spinach Variety

Some varieties perform better in Pennsylvania’s conditions. Look for these types:

Savoyed: Crinkly, dark green leaves that are cold-tolerant and great for fall planting (e.g., ‘Bloomsdale’).
Smooth-Leaf: Flat, easier-to-clean leaves that are good for spring (e.g., ‘Space’).
Semi-Savoy: A hybrid with slightly crinkled leaves, offering a good balance (e.g., ‘Tyee’).

Step-by-Step: Planting Your Spinach Seeds

Prepare the Soil: Choose a sunny to partly sunny spot. Work the soil to about 12 inches deep, mixing in 2-3 inches of compost or aged manure. Spinach likes a neutral pH (6.5-7.0).
Sow the Seeds: Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows spaced 12-18 inches apart. You can also broadcast seeds in a wide row.
Water Gently: Keep the seedbed consistently moist but not soggy until seedlings emerge, which takes 5-14 days.
Thin Seedlings: Once they have a couple true leaves, thin plants to 3-6 inches apart. Don’t waste the thinnings—add them to a salad!

Growing Tips for Pennsylvania Gardens

Consistent care is key to tender, sweet leaves. Here’s what to focus on:

Watering: Provide about 1 inch of water per week. Use mulch (straw or shredded leaves) to retain moisture and keep soil cool.
Fertilizing: If your soil is prepared well, little extra fertilizer is needed. A light side-dressing with a balanced organic fertilizer mid-season can help.
Pest Watch: Look out for leaf miners and aphids. Row covers are an effective physical barrier installed right after planting.

Dealing with Bolting

Bolting is when the plant sends up a flower stalk, signaling the end of leaf production. To delay it:

Choose slow-bolt varieties for spring planting.
Keep plants well-watered during dry, warm spells.
Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage new growth.

Once a plant bolts, the leaves become bitter. It’s best to pull it and replant with a warm-season crop or save the space for your fall spinach planting.

Harvesting Your Spinach

You can start harvesting whenever leaves are big enough to eat.

Baby Spinach: Harvest leaves at 2-3 inches long.
Full-Size: Harvest outer leaves first, allowing the center to keep producing. Or, cut the whole plant about an inch above the soil crown; it may regrow for a second, smaller harvest.

Always harvest in the cool of the morning for the crispest, freshest leaves.

FAQs: Planting Spinach in Pennsylvania

Can I plant spinach in July in PA?

Typically, no. July is usually to hot for spinach to germinate or grow well. It’s better to wait until late August for your fall crop. You might have some luck in a shaded spot with consistent watering, but results are often poor.

What can I plant next to spinach?

Good companions include peas, radishes, and strawberries. Avoid planting near potatoes.

Can I grow spinach in a container in Pennsylvania?

Absolutely. Use a pot at least 6-8 inches deep with drainage holes. Container soil can warm up faster, so be extra vigilant about watering and provide some afternoon shade in late spring.

Why did my spinach seeds not germinate?

Old seeds or soil that was to warm or too dry are common causes. Spinach seeds lose viability quickly; use fresh seeds each year and ensure the seedbed stays evenly moist.

Is it to late to plant spinach for fall?

If you’ve missed the main window, you can try a quick-growing variety under a protective cold frame. This can extend your planting by a few weeks. It’s worth a shot!

By following these timing guidelines and tips, you can enjoy homegrown spinach from your Pennsylvania garden for much of the year. The key is respecting it’s love for cool weather. With a little planning, you’ll be harvesting lush, green leaves for salads, sautés, and more right from your own backyard.