When to plant spinach in Baker City, OR

Plant spinach from seed, directly in the garden in Baker City, Apr 20 – May 25. For a fall harvest, plant again Jul 21 – Aug 11.

Moderate Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Baker City's typical last spring frost is May 25. As a cool-season crop that handles light frost, this crop doesn't need to wait for that date. In the high desert and mountains, though, the soil usually isn't ready to work until about April 20.

High desert and mountains. Central and high eastern Oregon. Frost is possible almost any month. Use row covers, wall-o-water or cloches for warm crops, and choose short-season varieties.

Difficulty: Moderate
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Spacing: 3 inches apart
Planting depth: ½ inch deep
Frost: Handles light frost
First harvest: About 45 days after planting

Step by step

Prepare the bed: loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
Plant seeds Apr 20 – May 25, ½ inch deep, 3 inches apart.
Keep the soil evenly moist until sprouts appear, which can take one to three weeks in cool soil.
Plant again Jul 21 – Aug 11 for a fall harvest.
Harvest: Cut outer leaves once plants have five or six, or cut the whole plant before it sends up a flower stalk.

Varieties that do well here

Bloomsdale Long Standing
Space
Giant Winter (for fall sowing)

Watch out for

Bolts (goes to seed) as days lengthen in late spring. Sow early, and sow again in late summer for fall and winter.

Bolts when days get long and warm, so spring sowings should go in early.

Common questions

When is the last frost in Baker City, OR?

Typically May 25. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by June 16. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Baker City Municipal Airport.

Is it too late to plant spinach in Baker City?

The spring planting window runs through May 25. If you miss it, plant again for fall from July 21 to August 11.

How long until I can harvest spinach?

About 45 days after planting. Cut outer leaves once plants have five or six, or cut the whole plant before it sends up a flower stalk.

Also plant in Baker City around the same time

Planting dates for spinach in nearby areas

Bend and Redmond, OR Apr 28 – Jun 2
Klamath Falls, OR Apr 28 – Jun 2
Burns, OR Apr 30 – Jun 4

Full planting calendar for Baker City · Spinach in every city