Is spinach suitable for fall planting?
Written by
Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Fall is the best season to grow spinach in containers because it's less likely to bolt in cooler temperatures. Spinach plants grow best in the temperature range of 45-75°F, which the fall months provide. Cool weather produces sweet, tasty leaves, and pest pressure is significantly lower compared to summer growing conditions.
Timing Strategy
- Start seeds 6-8 weeks before first expected frost date
- Use soil thermometer to ensure 45-75°F planting conditions
- Succession plant every 2 weeks for extended harvests
- Prioritize north-facing locations for cooler microclimates
Variety Selection
- Choose cold-tolerant types like Winter Bloomsdale
- Select bolt-resistant varieties for warm fall days
- Prioritize quick-maturing cultivars under 40 days
- Combine savoy and flat-leaf types for texture variety
For cold protection, take action if the temperature drops below freezing. Cold frames will maintain growing temperatures 10-15°F warmer than the outside air temperature on a sunny day. For cold protection, please start taking action if the temperature dips. Use straw mulch around containers to insulate the roots when an unexpected cold snap occurs.
For cooler fall conditions, adjust your watering practices. Instead of watering more frequently as growth decreases, water deeply only when the soil has dried out and there is no chance of overnight freezing. Watering in the morning avoids freeze-up. Protect containers from heavy rain by covering them, as this can prevent waterlogging.
Utilize overwintering techniques to extend your harvests into winter. Established plants thrive even under the snow if properly protected. Harvest only a small quantity during the cold months. Established plants will continue to grow vigorously as the temperatures warm in early spring.
Read the full article: How to Grow Spinach in Containers Successfully
