When to Plant Chard in Wayne County, MO
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.
Wayne County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 209 days.
At an elevation of 1,103 feet, Wayne County receives approximately 36.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season.
Wayne County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.7-7
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 Wayne County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–7.0) overlaps with Chard's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Wayne County is excellent for Chard — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chard.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). 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 02 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 23.
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 3.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 2.7" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.5" | 2.5" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Wayne 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 — Wayne County, MO
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 13 |
| Harvest | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jul 20 |
| Fall Sowing | August 23 | Aug 23 – Sep 6 |
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
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
209 days in Wayne County
Growing Tips for Chard in Wayne County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after April 06 in Wayne County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Wayne County, MO?
Wayne County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Wayne County, MO?
Wayne County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is November 1.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Wayne County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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