When to plant Chard in Lyon County, IA
In Lyon County, plant Chard in spring between April 18 and May 9, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Lyon County's last frost averages May 2, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between July 24 and August 7 — roughly 50–60 days before the first frost on October 2.
When to Plant Chard in Lyon County, IA
July to-do list for Lyon County, Iowa
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Lyon County, Iowa this July and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Basket week: chard
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
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Plant your fall garden: chard
Your first frost is about 13 weeks away — plenty of time for these to mature.
August 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.
Lyon County, Iowa is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 153 days.
At an elevation of 1,045 feet, Lyon County receives approximately 30.4 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.
Lyon County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.3-6.8
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 Lyon County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.3–6.8) is within Chard's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lyon County is excellent for Chard — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.6%) — 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 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 24.
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 3" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 2.7" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 2.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 2.5" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Lyon 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 — Lyon County, IA
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Direct Sow | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 9 |
| Harvest | June 27 | Jun 27 – Aug 15 |
| Fall Sowing | July 24 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5a
📆 Growing Season
153 days in Lyon County
Growing Tips for Chard in Lyon County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after May 02 in Lyon 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 Lyon County, IA?
Lyon County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lyon County, IA?
Lyon County, Iowa is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 2.
When should I plant Chard in Lyon County, IA?
In Lyon County, IA, plant Chard after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Lyon County, IA for Chard?
Lyon 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 Lyon County's climate?
Yes — Chard grows well in Lyon County's temperate climate. Lyon County averages a 153-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 2.
Your Lyon County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Lyon 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.