When to Plant Chard in Jackson County, AR
Swiss chard is a colorful, heat-tolerant green with large crinkled leaves and vibrant stalks in red, yellow, and white. Both the leaves and stems are edible and nutritious.
Jackson County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 223 days.
At an elevation of 1,468 feet, Jackson County receives approximately 47.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season.
Jackson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-7
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.
Soil Compatibility in Jackson County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–7.0) overlaps with Chard's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Jackson County is excellent for Chard — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). Annual compost additions will help Chard.
How to Plant Chard
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chard
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 05 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 26.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Monthly Watering Guide for Chard
Chard needs approximately 0.8 inches of water per week (3.5" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Chard Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.5" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3.2" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 2.7" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.5" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Jackson County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chard Heat Requirements (GDD)
What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?
Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.
Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.
Chard Planting Timeline — Jackson County, AR
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Direct Sow | March 12 | Mar 12 – Apr 2 |
| Harvest | May 21 | May 21 – Jul 9 |
| Fall Sowing | August 26 | Aug 26 – Sep 9 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
223 days in Jackson County
Growing Tips for Chard in Jackson County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after March 26 in Jackson County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Jackson County reach 91°F — grow Chard as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
General growing tips
Direct sow or transplant after last frost. Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage continuous production. Chard tolerates both heat and light frost.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chard in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chard in Jackson County, AR?
Jackson County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Jackson County, AR?
Jackson County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 4.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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