When to plant Chard in Saint Augustine, FL
Aim to plant Chard in Saint Augustine on or after January 19; the window stays open through February 9. Saint Augustine's 297-day frost-free season gives you plenty of room for a spring and fall cycle. A second sowing from October 7 to October 21 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chard in Saint Augustine, FL
This month in St. Johns County, Florida
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for St. Johns County, Florida this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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.
Saint Augustine, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 9 and the first fall frost is December 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 296 days.
At an elevation of 57 feet, St. Johns County receives approximately 51.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 99°F, so Chard may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Chard will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chard root diseases.
Saint Augustine Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
4.9-6.1
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 Saint Augustine
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.1) is more acidic than Chard prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in St. Johns County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Chard will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.5%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Chard.
How to Plant Chard
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chard
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 07.
Chard Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.5" | 2.4" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3.5" | 2.8" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.5" | 2.8" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 7.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 7.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.5" | 2.1" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 3.5" | 2.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in St. Johns 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 — Saint Augustine, FL
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 12 | Jan 12 – Jan 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 9 | Feb 9 – Feb 23 |
| Direct Sow | January 19 | Jan 19 – Feb 9 |
| Harvest | April 6 | Apr 6 – May 25 |
| Fall Sowing | October 7 | Oct 7 – Oct 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
296 days in St. Johns County
Growing Tips for Chard in Saint Augustine
Direct sow Chard outdoors after February 09 in St. Johns County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in St. Johns County dries quickly — mulch Chard with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Summer highs in St. Johns County reach 99°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
When should I plant Chard in Saint Augustine, FL?
In Saint Augustine, FL, plant Chard after the last frost (around February 9) and before the first frost (around December 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Saint Augustine, FL for Chard?
Saint Augustine sits in USDA Zone 9b. Chard grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chard grow in Saint Augustine's climate?
Yes — Chard grows well in Saint Augustine's temperate climate. Saint Augustine averages a 297-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 9 and first frost around December 2.
Your St. Johns County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for St. Johns County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.