How to Grow Spinach as a Winter Crop: Tips for Cold-Hardy Gardening

Growing spinach in winter might sound like a challenge, but with the right techniques and varieties, it’s one of the easiest cool-season crops to keep producing during the coldest months. After more than 30 years of growing spinach year-round in my raised beds, I’ve found that a little planning and the right protection can give you fresh, sweet leaves all winter long.

Table of Contents

Why Spinach Thrives in Cold Weather

Spinach is naturally cold-hardy and can survive temperatures down to 20°F—and even colder with protection. In fact, cold temperatures enhance its flavor, making winter spinach sweeter and more tender than summer-grown crops.

Choosing the Right Winter Spinach Varieties

Select varieties bred for cold tolerance:

‘Bloomsdale Long Standing’ – Classic heirloom with sweet flavor.
‘Giant Winter’ – Very hardy and large-leaved.
‘Tyee’ – Slow to bolt, even in variable winter conditions.

From personal experience, ‘Giant Winter’ thrives even when my garden soil is cold and damp in January, producing steady harvests until spring.

When and How to Plant

Timing: Sow seeds 6–8 weeks before your first hard frost. In mild climates, you can plant into late fall.
Soil Prep: Use fertile, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
Spacing: Plant seeds ½ inch deep, 2 inches apart; thin to 4–6 inches.

I often sow two beds—one in early October and another in mid-November—so I have a staggered winter harvest.

Protecting Spinach Through Winter

Row Covers: Lightweight covers help trap heat and shield from frost.
Cold Frames: Great for consistent harvests during freezing nights.
Mulch: A thick layer of straw keeps roots insulated.

One winter, I kept spinach alive through several nights in the teens simply by layering a floating row cover under my cold frame lid.

Harvesting Winter Spinach

Harvest outer leaves first, allowing the plant’s center to keep producing. Avoid harvesting when leaves are frozen; wait until they thaw.

Final Thoughts

With the right variety, timing, and protection, spinach is one of the most rewarding winter crops. It’s hardy, sweet, and nutritious—and having fresh greens in January feels like cheating the season.

Winter Spinach Planting & Protection Calendar

USDA Zone	Planting Window	Protection Needed	Notes
3–4	Mid Aug – Early Sept	Cold frames + heavy row covers	Overwinter as small plants; harvest resumes in spring.
5	Late Aug – Mid Sept	Cold frames or double row covers	Choose very hardy varieties; minimal winter harvest, early spring flush.
6	Early Sept – Late Sept	Single or double row covers	Fall sowing gives steady winter harvest in mild winters.
7	Late Sept – Early Oct	Light row cover	Harvestable all winter in most years.
8	Oct – Mid Nov	Minimal cover or none	Protect only from extreme cold snaps.
9	Nov – Early Dec	No cover unless frost forecast	Winter harvest possible with mild temperatures.
10–11	Dec – Jan	No cover needed	Spinach grows continuously through winter.