When to Plant Chard in Monroe County, FL
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.
Monroe County, Florida is in USDA Zone 11a. The average last spring frost is January 22 and the first fall frost is April 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 83 days.
At an elevation of 169 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 55.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Chard will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chard root diseases.
Monroe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.8-5.7
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 Monroe County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–5.7) is more acidic than Chard prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Monroe County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Chard will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chard.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.3%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Chard.
How to Plant Chard
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Plant Water Budget
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" | 2.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Feb | 3.5" | 2.7" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3.5" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 2.5" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 3.2" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 8.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Oct in Monroe 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 — Monroe County, FL
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 25 | Dec 25 – Jan 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 22 | Jan 22 – Feb 5 |
| Direct Sow | January 1 | Jan 1 – Jan 22 |
| Harvest | March 19 | Mar 19 – May 7 |
| Fall Sowing | February 18 | Feb 18 – Mar 4 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Fall Sowing |
| March | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 11a
📆 Growing Season
83 days in Monroe County
Growing Tips for Chard in Monroe County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after January 22 in Monroe County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Monroe County dries quickly — mulch Chard with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Summer highs in Monroe County reach 93°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 Monroe County, FL?
Monroe County is in Zone 11a with an average last frost of January 22. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Monroe County, FL?
Monroe County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 11a. The average last spring frost is January 22 and first fall frost is .
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Monroe County gardeners in Zone 11a 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.