When to Plant Chard in Harper County, KS
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.
Harper County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.
At an elevation of 745 feet, Harper County receives approximately 27.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season.
Harper County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.8
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.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Chard Planting Timeline — Harper County, KS
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Fall Sowing | August 18 | Aug 18 – Sep 1 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jul 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
50–60 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 6b
Growing Season
201 days
Growing Tips for Harper 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
Level Up Your Garden
Chard in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chard in Harper County, KS?
Harper County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Harper County, KS?
Harper County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 27.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Harper County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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