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When to plant Chard in Five Points, AL

Five Points sits in USDA Zone 8a. Plant Chard between March 23 (after last frost on April 6) and April 13. A second sowing from August 20 to September 3 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chard in Five Points, 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.

Five Points, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 206 days.

At an elevation of 375 feet, Chambers County receives approximately 54 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 93°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.

Five Points, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
206 days
Last Spring Frost April 6
206 growing days
First Fall Frost October 29

Five Points Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Chard

Chard needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Chard Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 4.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 5.1" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Apr 4.3" 3.8" 0.5" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 5.1" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jun 4.3" 4.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 5.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Oct 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Nov 4.2" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Dec 4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Chambers County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Chard Planting Timeline — Five Points, AL

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 20 Aug 20 – Sep 3

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
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

Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 8a

📆 Growing Season

206 days in Chambers County

Growing Tips for Five Points

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 →

When should I plant Chard in Five Points, AL?

In Five Points, AL, plant Chard after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Five Points, AL for Chard?

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

Can Chard grow in Five Points's climate?

Yes — Chard grows well in Five Points's temperate climate. Five Points averages a 206-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 29.

🌱

Your Chambers County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Chambers County (Zone 8a). 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 Chambers County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.