Washington’s mild springs allow for spinach planting from March through early April. Knowing the best time to plant spinach in Washington is key to getting a great harvest. This guide covers everything you need for success.
Spinach loves cool weather. It grows fast and tastes sweet when temperatures are between 35°F and 75°F. In Washington, you can plant it in both spring and fall. The trick is timing.
Best Time To Plant Spinach In Washington
The best time to plant spinach in Washington depends on your local climate. Western Washington is milder and wetter. Eastern Washington is colder and drier. Here is a breakdown by region.
Western Washington Planting Window
In areas like Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia, spring planting starts in March. The soil is usually workable by mid-March. Aim for March 15 to April 15 for your first planting.
Fall planting is also great. Start seeds in late August or early September. This gives spinach time to grow before the first frost. You can harvest into November.
Eastern Washington Planting Window
Eastern Washington, including Spokane and Yakima, has colder winters. Spring comes later. Plant spinach from April 1 to April 30. The soil needs to be above 40°F.
For fall, plant in early August. The growing season is shorter. Harvest before hard freezes in October.
Coastal Areas
Near the coast, like in Port Angeles or Aberdeen, temperatures stay mild. You can plant spinach as early as February. The cool ocean air helps spinach thrive. Fall planting works from September through October.
Why Timing Matters For Spinach In Washington
Spinach bolts, or goes to seed, when it gets too warm. Bolting makes the leaves bitter. In Washington, spring temperatures rise quickly in May. If you plant too late, your spinach will bolt before you get a good harvest.
Cold soil also stops germination. Spinach seeds need soil at least 35°F to sprout. If you plant too early in cold, wet soil, seeds may rot. The ideal soil temperature is 50°F to 60°F.
Washington’s rainfall affects timing too. Heavy spring rains can wash away seeds. Wait for a dry spell if possible. Or use raised beds for better drainage.
How To Plant Spinach In Washington
Follow these steps for a strong spinach crop. Start with good soil preparation.
Step 1: Prepare The Soil
- Choose a sunny spot. Spinach needs 4-6 hours of sun daily.
- Loosen soil to 12 inches deep. Remove rocks and weeds.
- Mix in compost or aged manure. Spinach likes rich, well-draining soil.
- Test soil pH. Aim for 6.0 to 7.0. Add lime if needed.
Step 2: Sow Seeds Correctly
- Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep. Space them 2 inches apart.
- Cover lightly with soil. Water gently.
- Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart when they have 2 leaves.
- For fall planting, sow seeds 1 inch deep to protect from heat.
Step 3: Water And Care
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Spinach needs about 1 inch of water per week. In Washington’s rainy springs, you may not need extra water. Check soil moisture with your finger.
Mulch around plants to keep soil cool. This helps prevent bolting. Use straw or shredded leaves.
Step 4: Harvest At The Right Time
Harvest when leaves are 3-6 inches long. Pick outer leaves first. This encourages more growth. Cut the whole plant at the base if you want a full harvest. Harvest before temperatures hit 80°F.
Best Spinach Varieties For Washington
Choose varieties that handle Washington’s weather. Some resist bolting better than others.
Spring Varieties
- Bloomsdale Long Standing: Classic variety. Handles cool springs well.
- Tyee: Slow to bolt. Great for unpredictable weather.
- Space: Resistant to downy mildew. Good for wet areas.
Fall Varieties
- Winter Bloomsdale: Very cold hardy. Survives light frosts.
- Giant Noble: Large leaves. Grows fast in cool fall weather.
- Corvair: Excellent for fall. Tolerates cold and disease.
Year-Round Options
Try “Perpetual Spinach” for continuous harvests. It is actually a chard but tastes like spinach. It grows well in Washington’s climate.
Common Mistakes When Planting Spinach In Washington
Avoid these errors to get a better harvest.
Planting Too Late In Spring
If you plant after mid-April in western Washington, your spinach will likely bolt. The days get longer and warmer. Stick to the March-April window.
Planting In Wet Soil
Washington’s spring rains can make soil muddy. Wait until soil is workable. If it sticks to your shovel, it is too wet. Plant in raised beds for better drainage.
Ignoring Soil Temperature
Do not guess soil temperature. Use a soil thermometer. Seeds germinate best at 50°F-60°F. Cold soil delays growth.
Overcrowding Seedlings
Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart. Crowded plants compete for nutrients. They also stay wet longer, inviting disease.
Fall Planting Guide For Washington Spinach
Fall spinach is often sweeter. Cool nights increase sugar content. Here is how to do it right.
When To Plant For Fall
Count back 6-8 weeks from your first frost date. In Seattle, first frost is around November 15. Plant by September 15. In Spokane, first frost is October 10. Plant by August 15.
How To Protect Fall Spinach
- Use row covers to extend the season. They protect from light frosts.
- Mulch heavily with straw. This insulates the soil.
- Water less in fall. Cool weather reduces evaporation.
Harvesting Fall Spinach
Harvest leaves until hard frost. Spinach can survive temperatures down to 20°F with protection. Pick leaves before they freeze solid.
Growing Spinach In Containers In Washington
Container gardening works well for spinach. It gives you control over soil and drainage. Perfect for small spaces.
Best Containers
Use pots at least 6-8 inches deep. Wider pots allow more plants. Ensure drainage holes. Plastic or ceramic pots work fine.
Soil And Watering
Use potting mix with compost. Containers dry out faster. Water daily in warm weather. Check soil moisture every day.
Placement
Place containers in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. This keeps soil cool. Move pots if temperatures spike.
Dealing With Pests And Diseases In Washington
Spinach faces few problems in Washington. But watch for these issues.
Common Pests
- Aphids: Spray with water or use insecticidal soap.
- Slugs: Use beer traps or copper tape. Hand pick at night.
- Leaf miners: Remove affected leaves. Use row covers.
Common Diseases
- Downy mildew: Common in wet weather. Choose resistant varieties.
- Damping off: Avoid overwatering. Use well-draining soil.
- White rust: Remove infected plants. Improve air circulation.
Succession Planting For Continuous Harvest
Plant small batches every 2-3 weeks. This gives you fresh spinach all season. Here is a sample schedule for western Washington.
- First planting: March 15
- Second planting: April 1
- Third planting: April 15
- Fall planting: September 1
- Late fall planting: September 15
Stop planting in late April. Summer heat will kill young plants. Resume in late August.
Tips For Extending The Spinach Season
Use these tricks to grow spinach longer in Washington.
Use Shade Cloth
Cover plants with 30% shade cloth in late spring. This lowers soil temperature. It delays bolting by 2-3 weeks.
Plant In Partial Shade
Choose a spot that gets afternoon shade. This keeps plants cooler. Spinach can grow with only 3-4 hours of sun.
Cold Frames
Build a simple cold frame. It protects spinach from frost. You can plant 2-3 weeks earlier in spring. Harvest 4-6 weeks later in fall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Plant Spinach In Washington In May?
May is usually too late for spring spinach. Temperatures rise quickly. Your spinach will likely bolt. Focus on fall planting instead.
What Is The Best Spinach Variety For Washington’s Climate?
Tyee and Bloomsdale Long Standing are top choices. They handle cool, wet weather well. For fall, Winter Bloomsdale is excellent.
How Deep Should I Plant Spinach Seeds In Washington?
Plant seeds 1/2 inch deep in spring. In fall, plant 1 inch deep. Deeper planting protects from heat and cold.
Can I Grow Spinach Indoors In Washington During Winter?
Yes, use a sunny windowsill or grow lights. Spinach grows well indoors at 60°F-70°F. Use a pot with drainage. Harvest leaves as needed.
Do I Need To Fertilize Spinach In Washington?
Spinach is a heavy feeder. Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting. Side-dress with compost mid-season. Avoid too much nitrogen, which can cause bitterness.
Final Thoughts On Planting Spinach In Washington
Washington’s climate is perfect for spinach. Spring and fall offer ideal conditions. Stick to the recommended planting windows. Prepare your soil well. Choose the right varieties. You will enjoy fresh, sweet spinach for months.
Remember to check your local frost dates. Adjust planting times for your specific area. With a little planning, you can have a bountiful spinach harvest. Happy planting in the Evergreen State.