When to plant Chard in Hart County, KY
Hart County gardeners should plant Chard between March 26 and April 16 in spring. With Hart County's Zone 7a climate (last frost April 9), Chard needs 50–60 days to mature — plant by August 29 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 19 to September 2 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chard in Hart County, KY
Top priorities for Hart County, Kentucky gardeners in July
Welcome to July in Zone 7a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
-
Start harvesting chard
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
Get ahead of August
- Fall sowing: 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.
Hart County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 202 days.
At an elevation of 3,611 feet, Hart County receives approximately 48.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season.
Hart County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7
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 Hart County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–7.0) overlaps with Chard's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Hart County is excellent for Chard — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.4%). Annual compost additions will help Chard.
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 29 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 19.
Chard Water Budget
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 | — | 4.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 3.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 2.8" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Hart 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 — Hart County, KY
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jul 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 19 | Aug 19 – Sep 2 |
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 | Fall Sowing |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
202 days in Hart County
Growing Tips for Chard in Hart County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after April 09 in Hart County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Hart County reach 91°F — grow Chard as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
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 Hart County, KY?
Hart County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hart County, KY?
Hart County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 28.
When should I plant Chard in Hart County, KY?
In Hart County, KY, plant Chard after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Hart County, KY for Chard?
Hart 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 Hart County's climate?
Yes — Chard grows well in Hart County's temperate climate. Hart County averages a 202-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 28.
Your Hart County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Hart 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.