When to plant Chard in Trimble County County,
Trimble County County gardeners should plant Chard between March 27 and April 17 in spring. With Trimble County County's Zone 6b climate (last frost April 10), Chard needs 60 days to mature — plant by August 23 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 13 to August 27 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chard in Trimble County, KY
Your June planting checklist for Trimble County, Kentucky
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
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Harvest chard as they ripen
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Coming up in July — start thinking about
- 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.
Trimble County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.
At an elevation of 3,539 feet, Trimble County receives approximately 52.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°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.
Trimble County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.7
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 Trimble County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.7) overlaps with Chard's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Trimble County is excellent for Chard — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). 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 23 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 13.
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 | — | 4.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.2" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Trimble 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 — Trimble County, KY
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 6 | Mar 6 – Mar 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Direct Sow | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 17 |
| Harvest | June 5 | Jun 5 – Jul 24 |
| Fall Sowing | August 13 | Aug 13 – Aug 27 |
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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
195 days in Trimble County
Growing Tips for Chard in Trimble County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after April 10 in Trimble 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 Trimble County, KY?
Trimble County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 10. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Trimble County, KY?
Trimble County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 10 and first fall frost is October 22.
When should I plant Chard in Trimble County, ?
In Trimble County, , plant Chard after the last frost (around April 10) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Trimble County, for Chard?
Trimble 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 Trimble County's climate?
Yes — Chard grows well in Trimble County's temperate climate. Trimble County averages a 195-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 10 and first frost around October 22.
Your Trimble County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Trimble 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.