Getting your spinach planting time right is the single biggest factor for a great harvest in zone 7a. Knowing exactly when to plant spinach in zone 7a – for optimal growth timing means you work with the cool weather this crop loves, avoiding the bitter bolting that heat causes.
Spinach is a cool-season superstar, but zone 7’s weather can be tricky with its relatively short springs and falls. This guide gives you the specific dates, tips, and techniques to schedule your planting for maximum yield.
When To Plant Spinach In Zone 7a – For Optimal Growth Timing
The optimal growth timing in zone 7a breaks down into two main planting windows: late winter/early spring and late summer/early fall. Spinach germinates best in soil temperatures between 45°F and 68°F.
Spring Planting Schedule
For a spring harvest, your goal is to get seeds into the ground as early as possible. You can often start 4 to 6 weeks before your last average spring frost date.
- Direct Sow Outdoors: Plant seeds directly in the garden between February 15 and March 10. The soil is often workable by then, even if frosts still occur.
- Using Protection: For an even earlier start, use cold frames, row covers, or low tunnels. With these, you can sow seeds in late January or early February.
- Succession Planting: To extend the harvest, plant a new batch of seeds every 10 to 14 days until about mid-April.
Fall Planting Schedule
Fall is actually the best time for spinach in zone 7a, as the cooling temperatures create perfect, sustained growing conditions. The plants often survive winter under cover for a very early spring bonus harvest.
- Main Fall Crop: Direct sow seeds between August 20 and September 20. This timing allows plants to mature during the cool fall weather.
- Overwintering Crop: For a super-early spring harvest, plant spinach in early to mid-October. The plants will establish roots before winter, go dormant, and then explode with growth at the first hint of spring warmth.
Understanding Your Zone 7a Microclimate
Zone 7a has average annual minimum temperatures of 0°F to 5°F. But your specific garden might have microclimates. Note these factors:
- South-facing slopes warm up faster in spring.
- Low-lying areas are “frost pockets” where cold air settles.
- Urban gardens stay warmer than rural ones.
- Soil type matters: sandy soil warms quicker than clay in spring.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Follow these steps for successful spinach establishment in either season.
1. Preparing the Soil
Spinach needs fertile, well-draining soil with a neutral pH (6.5 to 7.0).
- Work in 2 to 3 inches of compost or well-rotted manure.
- Add a balanced, all-purpose organic fertilizer according to package directions.
- Rake the soil smooth to create a fine seedbed.
2. Sowing the Seeds Correctly
Proper sowing depth and spacing is crucial.
- Create shallow rows about ½ inch deep.
- Sow seeds roughly 1 inch apart. Don’t worry to much about perfect spacing initially.
- Cover the seeds lightly with fine soil and pat down gently.
- Water the area thoroughly with a gentle spray to avoid washing seeds away.
3. Post-Planting Care
Consistent moisture is key for germination and tender leaves.
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Seeds typically sprout in 5 to 14 days.
- Once seedlings are 2 inches tall, thin them to stand 3 to 6 inches apart. You can eat the thinnings!
- Apply a mulch of straw or shredded leaves to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Seasonal Care and Troubleshooting
Your care changes slightly with the seasons.
Spring Crop Care
The main challenge is rising heat.
- Water deeply and regularly, aiming for at least 1 inch per week.
- As days lengthen and warm, plants will signal they’re ready to bolt (send up a flower stalk). Harvest the entire plant when you first notice this.
- Use shade cloth in late spring to extend the harvest by a week or two.
Fall & Overwintering Crop Care
The goal here is to encourage strong growth before winter dormancy.
- Fertilize lightly at planting and again about a month later.
- As hard frosts arrive, cover the plants with a thick layer of straw mulch or a floating row cover directly over the plants. This protects them from harsh wind and temperature swings.
- In early spring, remove heavy mulch on warm days so new growth can emerge.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with perfect timing, you might face these issues.
- Bolting: Caused by long days and temperatures over 75°F. Solution: Stick to the recommended planting windows and choose slow-bolt varieties like ‘Bloomsdale Long Standing’ or ‘Corvair’.
- Downy Mildew: Shows as yellow spots on leaves with fuzzy gray mold underneath. Solution: Plant resistant varieties, ensure good air circulation, and avoid overhead watering.
- Leaf Miners: Create squiggly white trails inside leaves. Solution: Use floating row covers from planting to harvest to prevent the adult flies from laying eggs. Remove and destroy affected leaves.
Best Spinach Varieties for Zone 7a
Choosing the right variety makes a big difference. Here are some top performers:
- For Spring & Fall: ‘Space’ (smooth-leaf), ‘Tyee’ (savoy), ‘Corvair’ (savoy). These have good bolt resistance.
- Specially for Overwintering: ‘Giant Winter’ or ‘Avon’. These are extremely cold-hardy.
- For Baby Greens: ‘Catalina’ (flat-leaf) grows quickly for tender cuts.
Harvesting for Continuous Yield
You can harvest in two main ways:
- Cut-and-Come-Again: Use scissors to cut outer leaves about 1-2 inches above the soil when they are 3-4 inches long. The center will produce new leaves for several more harvests.
- Whole Plant Harvest: For spring crops before bolting or fall crops before a hard freeze, cut the entire plant at the base. This is often nessecary when heat or cold threatens.
Always harvest in the morning when leaves are crisp and full of moisture.
FAQ: Planting Spinach in Zone 7a
Can I plant spinach in July in zone 7a?
It’s generally to hot for direct seeding in July. Wait until the second half of August for reliable fall crop planting. You could attempt it in deep shade with constant moisture, but results are often poor.
Should I start spinach seeds indoors for zone 7a?
It’s not usually recommended. Spinach has a sensitive taproot that dislikes transplanting. Direct sowing is simpler and more effective for both spring and fall crops.
How do I protect my fall spinach from an early frost?
Use a floating row cover (like Reemay or Agribon) directly draped over the plants. This can provide 4 to 8 degrees of frost protection, enough for most early frosts. Add mulch around the plants base for root protection.
What if my spinach seeds don’t germinate well?
Old seeds have low viability. Always use fresh seeds (less than 2 years old). Also, ensure the soil stays consistently moist during the germination period, which can be longer in cool spring soil.
Can I grow spinach in partial shade in zone 7a?
Yes! In fact, partial shade (especially afternoon shade) is beneficial in zone 7a. It helps keep the soil cooler in late spring, delaying bolting and extending your harvest window by a consiberable amount.
By following these zone-specific guidelines, you can enjoy sweet, homegrown spinach for much of the year. The key is respecting its need for cool conditions and using the calander to your advantage. With good timing and simple care, you’ll have plentiful harvests of this nutritious green.