Is it time for spinach yet?

[trunkman]

Sorry for all the questions all but I've been looking at my zones planting times and it said I can plant spinach in Feb and I was wondering if it's too early yet or is it time to get planting? :/ by the way, I'm in zone 7b

 

[whamby2]

Yes, it's time to plant spinach and lettuce...onions as well. We just ordered ours last night and they should be here Saturday. We are in zone 7. Can't wait to get gardening!!:tools

 

[journey11]

You are right about on time for your zone. Check Steve's thread here if you want to pin point it exactly. Mine go out early April here in 6b, but I already have a wide row growing that I overwintered with a low tunnel.

ETA: !

 

[digitS']

As I was typing Journey .

It may well be time for your earliest sowings, Trunkman. But, USDA hardiness zones are for winter hardiness of plants. That is why you see the zone designation on trees and shrubs and such at the nursery. They are to answer the question: "Will this plant live through my winters?"

Vegetables sown from seed are usually not grown through the winter - altho' spinach is one that can be. (Especially, if you go by the name of Journey and keep your spinach happy under plastic through the winter .) Still, you aren't concerned now with the question of whether spinach plants can survive the coldest weather of mid-winter but whether spinach seeds can sprout at the soil temperatures right now or soon.

Of the garden vegetables, only lettuce germinates quicker at low temperatures than does spinach. And, lettuce and spinach seed will begin to grow before even radish and turnip seed are warm enough to sprout! Onions? Yes, they are right in there with that group.

More important by far than winter hardiness zone -- is, when is your last frost date? Spinach seed should be fine at 2 or even 3 weeks before that date.

Steve

 

[trunkman]

looks like I'm a few weeks early, I've planted a few things already, peas, radishes and beets, only about a dozen of each to see if they will make it. If they do, great, if they don't, not a big lose. This is my first attempt at cool weather crops so I'm not expecting much, but keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks to all of you I'm learning a lot, thank you all!!

 

[Kim_NC]

Trunkman, we're in zone 7a (northern NC) and are already starting. For many years we were in zone 7b near Fayetteville, NC.

You can plant Spinach now, and the other items you mentioned. Unless we have unexpected late freeze, you'll be fine.

ETA: I have an NC planting guide posted here. It should work as a good general guide for your area.

http://www.millriverfarm.com/planting.html

 

[trunkman]

Thanks Kim, I bookmarked that site!!

 

[i_am2bz]

Thanks Kim, I bookmarked that site!!

Me, too! Thanks Kim!

 

[vfem]

All planted here as well, and I'm slightly north of you... but still zone 7b too! This is a good time to get in your greens, including lettuce, spinach, kale and cabbage.

My fall cabbage survived, because of the early snow and cold... the cabbage stopped growing, and recently started back up forming beautiful heads! I'm so thrilled after I was so disappointed.

 

[HunkieDorie23]

You are right about on time for your zone. Check Steve's thread here if you want to pin point it exactly. Mine go out early April here in 6b, but I already have a wide row growing that I overwintered with a low tunnel.

ETA: !

How do you deal with the snow and soggy soil? I know we haven't had a much snow this year as in the last couple but we have had enough. Do you need to keep them brushed off or ... What can you grow in the tunnels?