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When to Plant Chard in Yell 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.

Yell County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 225 days.

At an elevation of 1,105 feet, Yell County receives approximately 52 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88Β°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chard root diseases.

Yell County, AR (Zone 7a) Long season
225 days
Last Spring Frost March 26
225 growing days
First Fall Frost November 6

Yell County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.5-7

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Chard

Chard needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Chard Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan β€” 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb β€” 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 4.3" 5.1" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Apr 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" πŸ’§ Light watering
May 4.3" 3.7" 0.6" πŸ’§ Light watering
Jun 4.3" 5.3" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 5.8" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.4" 0" βœ… Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" πŸ’§ Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.1" 1.2" πŸ’§ Light watering
Nov 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" πŸ’§ Light watering
Dec β€” 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Yell County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall β€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Chard Planting Timeline β€” Yell 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 28 Aug 28 – Sep 11

Plant 1" deep Β· 15" apart Β· Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January β€”
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 β€”
November β€”
December β€”

Growing Conditions

β˜€οΈ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

πŸ’§ Water

Moderate β€” regular watering

πŸ“… Days to Maturity

50–60 days

πŸ§ͺ Soil pH

Needs 6–7 Β· Your soil: N/A

πŸ—ΊοΈ USDA Zone

Zone 7a

πŸ“† Growing Season

225 days in Yell County

Growing Tips for Yell County

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

  • Corn
  • Cucumbers

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chard in Yell County, AR?

Yell County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date β€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Yell County, AR?

Yell County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 6.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner β€” designed to help Yell County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Yell County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.