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When to plant Chard in Madison County, AR

Madison County sits in USDA Zone 7b. 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 Madison County, AR

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.

Madison County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. 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 801 feet, Madison County receives approximately 54.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chard root diseases.

Madison County, AR (Zone 7b) Long season
206 days
Last Spring Frost April 6
206 growing days
First Fall Frost October 29

Madison County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Chard Planting Timeline — Madison County, AR

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 7b

📆 Growing Season

206 days in Madison County

Growing Tips for Madison 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 Madison County, AR?

Madison County is in Zone 7b 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 Madison County, AR?

Madison County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 29.

When should I plant Chard in Madison County, AR?

In Madison County, AR, 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 Madison County, AR for Chard?

Madison 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 Madison County's climate?

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

🌱

Your Madison County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Madison 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.

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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 Madison County, AR. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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