When to plant Chard in Fowler, IL
For Fowler, gardeners: plant Chard March 31 through April 21 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from August 11 to August 25 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chard in Fowler, IL
Your June gardening checklist
Here's what deserves your attention in Adams County, Illinois this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Basket week: chard
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
July will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Fowler, Illinois is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 14 and the first fall frost is October 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 189 days.
At an elevation of 1,390 feet, Adams County receives approximately 33.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season.
Fowler Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.3
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 Fowler
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.3) overlaps with Chard's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Adams County is excellent for Chard — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.0%) — Chard will thrive.
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 21 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 11.
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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.1" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 2.5" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Adams 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 — Fowler, IL
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 14 | Apr 14 – Apr 28 |
| Direct Sow | March 31 | Mar 31 – Apr 21 |
| Harvest | June 9 | Jun 9 – Jul 28 |
| Fall Sowing | August 11 | Aug 11 – Aug 25 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
189 days in Adams County
Growing Tips for Chard in Fowler
Direct sow Chard outdoors after April 14 in Adams 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
When should I plant Chard in Fowler, IL?
In Fowler, IL, plant Chard after the last frost (around April 14) and before the first frost (around October 20). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Fowler, IL for Chard?
Fowler sits in USDA Zone 6a. Chard grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chard grow in Fowler's climate?
Yes — Chard grows well in Fowler's temperate climate. Fowler averages a 189-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 14 and first frost around October 20.
Your Adams County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Adams 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.