When to plant Chard in Bonner County, ID
The best window to plant Chard in Bonner County, is April 21–May 12, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits May 5; first frost October 3. A second sowing from July 25 to August 8 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chard in Bonner County, ID
June in the garden — Bonner County, Idaho
June is a pivotal month for Bonner County, Idaho gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Fire up the seed-starting tray: chard
These need a head start before your last frost (May 5). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
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Harvest chard as they ripen
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- First harvests: chard
- Fall sowing: 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.
Bonner County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 3, giving you a growing season of approximately 151 days.
At an elevation of 7,480 feet, Bonner County receives approximately 12.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Chard successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Bonner County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.4-8.2
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 Bonner County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.4–8.2) is more alkaline than Chard prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Bonner County is excellent for Chard — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). 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 Aug 04 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 25.
Chard Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 1.5" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 0.9" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 1.1" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 1.2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 1.1" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 1.1" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Bonner 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 — Bonner County, ID
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 5 | May 5 – May 19 |
| Direct Sow | April 21 | Apr 21 – May 12 |
| Harvest | June 30 | Jun 30 – Aug 18 |
| Fall Sowing | July 25 | Jul 25 – Aug 8 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
151 days in Bonner County
Growing Tips for Chard in Bonner County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after May 05 in Bonner County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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 Bonner County, ID?
Bonner County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 5. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bonner County, ID?
Bonner County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 3.
When should I plant Chard in Bonner County, ID?
In Bonner County, ID, plant Chard after the last frost (around May 5) and before the first frost (around October 3). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Bonner County, ID for Chard?
Bonner County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Chard grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chard grow in Bonner County's climate?
Yes — Chard grows well in Bonner County's temperate climate. Bonner County averages a 151-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 5 and first frost around October 3.
Your Bonner County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bonner County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.