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When to plant Chard in Estill County, KY

Estill County's spring Chard window runs April 2 through April 23. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 15 to August 29 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chard in Estill 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.

Estill County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 191 days.

At an elevation of 2,559 feet, Estill County receives approximately 42 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season.

Estill County, KY (Zone 6b) Moderate season
191 days
Last Spring Frost April 16
191 growing days
First Fall Frost October 24

Estill County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Chard Planting Timeline — Estill County, KY

Chard Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 12 Mar 12 – Mar 26
Transplant Outdoors April 16 Apr 16 – Apr 30
Direct Sow April 2 Apr 2 – Apr 23
Harvest June 11 Jun 11 – Jul 30
Fall Sowing August 15 Aug 15 – Aug 29

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
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 6b

📆 Growing Season

191 days in Estill County

Growing Tips for Estill 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

  • Corn
  • Cucumbers

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chard in Estill County, KY?

Estill County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Estill County, KY?

Estill County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 24.

When should I plant Chard in Estill County, KY?

In Estill County, KY, plant Chard after the last frost (around April 16) and before the first frost (around October 24). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Estill County, KY for Chard?

Estill 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 Estill County's climate?

Yes — Chard grows well in Estill County's temperate climate. Estill County averages a 191-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 16 and first frost around October 24.

🌱

Your Estill County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Estill 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Estill County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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