When to Plant Chard in Northwest Arctic Borough, AK
Top priorities for Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska gardeners in May
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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.
Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska is in USDA Zone 2a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and the first fall frost is August 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 80 days.
At an elevation of 2,144 feet, Northwest Arctic Borough receives approximately 42.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 56°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chard to ensure they mature before fall.
Northwest Arctic Borough Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5-6.7
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 Northwest Arctic Borough
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.0–6.7) is more acidic than Chard prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Northwest Arctic Borough is excellent for Chard — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chard.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (6.7%) — Chard will thrive.
How to Plant Chard
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
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 | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 2" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 2.9" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 6.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | — | 8.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Oct | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Aug in Northwest Arctic Borough). 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 — Northwest Arctic Borough, AK
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 18 | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Direct Sow | May 11 | May 11 – Jun 1 |
| Harvest | July 13 | Jul 13 – Aug 31 |
| Fall Sowing | May 14 | May 14 – May 28 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow Fall Sowing |
| June | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 2a
📆 Growing Season
80 days in Northwest Arctic Borough
Growing Tips for Northwest Arctic Borough
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 Northwest Arctic Borough, AK?
Northwest Arctic Borough is in Zone 2a with an average last frost of May 18. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Northwest Arctic Borough, AK?
Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska is in USDA Hardiness Zone 2a. The average last spring frost is May 18 and first fall frost is August 6.
Your Northwest Arctic Borough Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Northwest Arctic Borough (Zone 2a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.