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When to plant Chard in Autauga County, AL

Autauga County's climate puts the Chard spring window between February 28 and March 21. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. A second sowing from September 5 to September 19 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chard in Autauga County, AL

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.

Autauga County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 14, giving you a growing season of approximately 245 days.

At an elevation of 80 feet, Autauga County receives approximately 58.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Chard, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chard root diseases.

Autauga County, AL (Zone 8b) Long season
245 days
Last Spring Frost March 14
245 growing days
First Fall Frost November 14

Autauga County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Chard Planting Timeline — Autauga County, AL

Chard Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 7 Feb 7 – Feb 21
Transplant Outdoors March 14 Mar 14 – Mar 28
Direct Sow February 28 Feb 28 – Mar 21
Harvest May 9 May 9 – Jun 27
Fall Sowing September 5 Sep 5 – Sep 19

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8b

📆 Growing Season

245 days in Autauga County

Growing Tips for Autauga 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 Autauga County, AL?

Autauga County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Autauga County, AL?

Autauga County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 14.

When should I plant Chard in Autauga County, AL?

In Autauga County, AL, plant Chard after the last frost (around March 14) and before the first frost (around November 14). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Autauga County, AL for Chard?

Autauga County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Chard grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Chard grow in Autauga County's climate?

Yes — Chard grows well in Autauga County's temperate climate. Autauga County averages a 245-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 14 and first frost around November 14.

🌱

Your Autauga County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Autauga County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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

Sources & credits

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