When to plant Chard in Anderson County, KS
Chard planted in Anderson County between March 28 and April 18 matures in 50–60 days — well before the October 24 first frost. A second sowing from August 15 to August 29 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chard in Anderson County, KS
This month in Anderson County, Kansas
June rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Anderson County, Kansas.
-
Collect chard at their peak
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
July prep starts now
- 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.
Anderson County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 196 days.
At an elevation of 466 feet, Anderson County receives approximately 23.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season.
Anderson County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.5-7.4
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 Anderson County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.5–7.4) overlaps with Chard's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Anderson County is excellent for Chard — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.4%) — 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 25 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 15.
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 | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 2.3" | 1.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 2.5" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 2.9" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 2.2" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 1.7" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Anderson 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 — Anderson County, KS
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 11 | Apr 11 – Apr 25 |
| Direct Sow | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 18 |
| Harvest | June 6 | Jun 6 – Jul 25 |
| Fall Sowing | August 15 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
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 · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
196 days in Anderson County
Growing Tips for Chard in Anderson County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after April 11 in Anderson 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 Anderson County, KS?
Anderson County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 11. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Anderson County, KS?
Anderson County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 11 and first fall frost is October 24.
When should I plant Chard in Anderson County, KS?
In Anderson County, KS, plant Chard after the last frost (around April 11) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Anderson County, KS for Chard?
Anderson 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 Anderson County's climate?
Yes — Chard grows well in Anderson County's temperate climate. Anderson County averages a 196-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 11 and first frost around October 24.
Your Anderson County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Anderson 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.