When To Plant Spinach In Tennessee

If you’re wondering when to plant spinach in Tennessee, timing is everything for a successful harvest. The state’s varied climate offers two prime planting windows each year, and getting them right means you can enjoy this nutritious green for months.

Spinach is a cool-season crop that thrives in Tennessee’s spring and fall. It bolts, or goes to seed, quickly in summer heat. By understanding your local frost dates and using a few simple techniques, you’ll be harvesting tender leaves in no time.

For most Tennessee gardeners, the key is to work around the last spring frost and the first fall frost. The state spans USDA Hardiness Zones 5b through 8a, so your specific dates vary.

Spring Planting

Plant spinach as early as the soil can be worked. This is often 4-6 weeks before your area’s last average spring frost date.

Zones 5b-6a (Upper East TN, Cumberland Plateau): Plant from late February to mid-March.
Zones 6b-7a (Nashville, Clarksville): Plant from mid-February to early March.
Zones 7b-8a (Memphis, Chattanooga): Plant from early February to late February.

A good rule is to get seeds in the ground when soil temperatures reach at least 40°F. They’ll germinate best between 50-60°F.

Fall Planting

Fall is often the best and easiest time for growing spinach in Tennessee. The cooling temperatures create perfect conditions.

Zones 5b-6a: Plant from mid-August to early September.
Zones 6b-7a: Plant from late August to mid-September.
Zones 7b-8a: Plant from early September to early October.

Count back 6-8 weeks from your average first fall frost date. Fall-planted spinach often overwinters with protection, giving you an early spring bonus harvest.

Succession Planting for Continuous Harvest

Don’t plant all your seeds at once. To avoid a glut and then a gap, use succession planting.

Make your first planting at the ideal spring or fall date.
Then, sow a new batch of seeds every 7-10 days for about a month.
This staggers maturity, ensuring you have a steady supply of young, tender leaves.

Choosing the Right Spinach Variety

Some varieties handle Tennessee’s climate, especially its occasional warm snaps, better than others.

Slow-Bolt Types: These are essential for spring planting. Look for ‘Bloomsdale Long Standing’, ‘Corvair’, or ‘Tyee’.
Smooth-Leaf Types: Varieties like ‘Space’ are easier to clean and good for salads.
Winter-Hardy Types: For fall planting that will overwinter, choose ‘Giant Winter’ or ‘Avon’.

Always check the seed packet for “bolt-resistant” or “heat-tolerant” notes. It makes a big difference.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

1. Site and Soil Preparation

Spinach needs well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Choose a spot that gets full sun in cool weather and partial shade as days warm.

Loosen the soil to about 12 inches deep.
Mix in 2-3 inches of finished compost or aged manure. This improves drainage and fertility.
Aim for a soil pH between 6.5 and 7.0. A simple soil test can confirm this.

2. Sowing Seeds Correctly

You can start seeds indoors, but spinach transplants easily, so direct sowing is usually best.

Create shallow rows about ½ inch deep.
Sow seeds roughly 1 inch apart. Don’t worry to much about spacing here.
Cover lightly with fine soil and pat down gently.
Water using a fine mist to avoid washing seeds away.
Keep the soil consistently moist until seedlings emerge in 5-14 days.

3. Thinning and Spacing

Once seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, it’s time to thin them. Crowded plants will compete for resources and bolt faster.

Thin spring spinach to 3-4 inches apart.
Thin fall spinach to 4-6 inches apart, as it will grow larger.
You can eat the thinned seedlings as microgreens!

Caring for Your Spinach Crop

Watering and Mulching

Spinach has shallow roots and needs consistent moisture. About 1-1.5 inches of water per week is ideal.

Water deeply at the base of plants in the morning.
Apply a 2-inch layer of straw or shredded leaves to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and keep soil cool.
Mulch is especially crucial for fall plantings as temperatures drop.

Fertilizing

If your soil is prepared with compost, little extra fertilizer is needed. For a boost, use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once or twice during the growing season. Avoid high-nitrogen formulas late in growth, as they can affect flavor.

Pest and Disease Management

Common issues include leaf miners, aphids, and downy mildew.

Use floating row covers to physically block pests from the start.
Inspect the undersides of leaves regularly.
For mildew, ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Remove affected leaves promptly.

Harvesting and Storage Tips

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

“Cut-and-Come-Again”: Harvest the outer, older leaves first by cutting them at the base. This allows the center to keep producing new leaves.
Whole Plant Harvest: For fall plantings before a hard freeze, you can cut the whole plant about an inch above the soil crown. It may regrow if roots are left intact.
Wash leaves thoroughly and store them dry in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

FAQs: Planting Spinach in Tennessee

Can I grow spinach in Tennessee during the summer?
It’s very difficult. Spinach bolts rapidly in heat. If you try, use heat-resistant varieties, provide afternoon shade, and water frequently, but expect a shorter harvest.

How do I protect my fall spinach over winter?
Use a thick layer of mulch (like straw) after the ground has frozen slightly. Cold frames or low tunnels made with hoops and row cover fabric work excellent for extending the harvest into winter.

What if my spinach starts to bolt?
Once a central seed stalk forms, leaves often turn bitter. Harvest the entire plant immediately. You can let one plant go to seed if you want to collect seeds for next season.

Can I plant spinach from transplants instead of seeds?
Yes, but be gentle. Spinach has a delicate root system. Transplant on a cloudy day or in the evening, and water well. It can give you a slight head start in the spring.

Why are my spinach seedlings not growing well?
Check soil temperature and pH. Growth stalls if soil is too cold, too acidic, or too compacted. Also, ensure they are getting enough sunlight—at least 4-6 hours in cool seasons.

By following these guidelines for when to plant spinach in Tennessee, you’ll maximize your chances for a bountiful crop. Paying attention to your local frost dates and choosing the right varieties are the most important steps. With a little planning, you can enjoy homegrown spinach from your garden for much of the year.