When to plant Chard in Ballard County, KY
Aim to plant Chard in Ballard County on or after March 23; the window stays open through April 13. Ballard County's 203-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 17 to August 31 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chard in Ballard County, KY
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.
Ballard County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is October 26, giving you a growing season of approximately 203 days.
At an elevation of 2,452 feet, Ballard County receives approximately 54.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chard root diseases.
Ballard County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chard Planting Timeline — Ballard County, KY
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 13 |
| Harvest | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jul 20 |
| Fall Sowing | August 17 | Aug 17 – Aug 31 |
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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
203 days in Ballard County
Growing Tips for Ballard 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 Ballard County, KY?
Ballard County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Ballard County, KY?
Ballard County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is October 26.
When should I plant Chard in Ballard County, KY?
In Ballard County, KY, plant Chard after the last frost (around April 6) and before the first frost (around October 26). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Ballard County, KY for Chard?
Ballard County sits in USDA Zone 7a. Chard grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chard grow in Ballard County's climate?
Yes — Chard grows well in Ballard County's temperate climate. Ballard County averages a 203-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 6 and first frost around October 26.
Your Ballard County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Ballard County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.