When to plant Chard in Cleburne County, AR
Plant Chard in Cleburne County, when soil hits 50°F — usually March 14. Continue planting through April 4 for the spring crop. A second sowing from August 24 to September 7 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chard in Cleburne County, AR
Your June planting checklist for Cleburne County, Arkansas
Here's what deserves your attention in Cleburne County, Arkansas this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 7b and timed around your local frost dates.
-
Harvest chard as they ripen
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- First harvests: chard
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.
Cleburne County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 28 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 219 days.
At an elevation of 1,207 feet, Cleburne County receives approximately 48.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season.
Cleburne County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.7
Drainage
Well Drained
Chard 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 Cleburne County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.7) overlaps with Chard's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Cleburne County is excellent for Chard — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.7%). 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 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 24.
Chard 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 | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.5" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.5" | 3.4" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Cleburne 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 — Cleburne County, AR
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 7 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Direct Sow | March 14 | Mar 14 – Apr 4 |
| Harvest | May 23 | May 23 – Jul 11 |
| Fall Sowing | August 24 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
219 days in Cleburne County
Growing Tips for Chard in Cleburne County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after March 28 in Cleburne County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Cleburne County reach 91°F — grow Chard as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
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 Cleburne County, AR?
Cleburne County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 28. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Cleburne County, AR?
Cleburne County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 28 and first fall frost is November 2.
When should I plant Chard in Cleburne County, AR?
In Cleburne County, AR, plant Chard after the last frost (around March 28) and before the first frost (around November 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Cleburne County, AR for Chard?
Cleburne County sits in USDA Zone 7b. Chard grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chard grow in Cleburne County's climate?
Yes — Chard grows well in Cleburne County's temperate climate. Cleburne County averages a 219-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 28 and first frost around November 2.
Your Cleburne County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Cleburne County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.