When to plant Chard in Hamilton County, IA
Chard planted in Hamilton County between April 17 and May 8 matures in 50–60 days — well before the October 7 first frost. A second sowing from July 29 to August 12 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chard in Hamilton County, IA
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.
Hamilton County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.
At an elevation of 1,210 feet, Hamilton County receives approximately 35.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 80°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chard to ensure they mature before fall.
Hamilton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chard Planting Timeline — Hamilton County, IA
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 1 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Direct Sow | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 8 |
| Harvest | June 26 | Jun 26 – Aug 14 |
| Fall Sowing | July 29 | Jul 29 – Aug 12 |
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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
159 days in Hamilton County
Growing Tips for Hamilton 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 Hamilton County, IA?
Hamilton County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hamilton County, IA?
Hamilton County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 7.
When should I plant Chard in Hamilton County, IA?
In Hamilton County, IA, plant Chard after the last frost (around May 1) and before the first frost (around October 7). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Hamilton County, IA for Chard?
Hamilton County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Chard grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chard grow in Hamilton County's climate?
Yes — Chard grows well in Hamilton County's temperate climate. Hamilton County averages a 159-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 1 and first frost around October 7.
Your Hamilton County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hamilton County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.