When to Plant Chard in Richland Parish, LA
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.
Richland Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 250 days.
At an elevation of 341 feet, Richland Parish receives approximately 59.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Chard may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chard root diseases.
Richland Parish Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7
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.
Plant Water Budget
Chard Planting Timeline — Richland Parish, LA
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 2 | Feb 2 – Feb 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Direct Sow | February 23 | Feb 23 – Mar 16 |
| Fall Sowing | September 5 | Sep 5 – Sep 19 |
| Harvest | May 4 | May 4 – Jun 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| 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 8a
Growing Season
250 days
Growing Tips for Richland Parish
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 Richland Parish, LA?
Richland Parish is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 9. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Richland Parish, LA?
Richland Parish, Louisiana is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 9 and first fall frost is November 14.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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