When to plant Chard in Brown County, IL
The best window to plant Chard in Brown County, is April 3–April 24, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits April 17; first frost October 16. A second sowing from August 7 to August 21 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chard in Brown County, IL
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.
Brown County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 182 days.
At an elevation of 868 feet, Brown County receives approximately 36.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season.
Brown County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chard Planting Timeline — Brown County, IL
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Direct Sow | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 24 |
| Harvest | June 12 | Jun 12 – Jul 31 |
| Fall Sowing | August 7 | Aug 7 – Aug 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
182 days in Brown County
Growing Tips for Brown 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chard in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chard in Brown County, IL?
Brown County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Brown County, IL?
Brown County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 16.
When should I plant Chard in Brown County, IL?
In Brown County, IL, plant Chard after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 16). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Brown County, IL for Chard?
Brown County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Chard grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chard grow in Brown County's climate?
Yes — Chard grows well in Brown County's temperate climate. Brown County averages a 182-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 16.
Your Brown County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Brown County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.