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When to plant Chard in Whitley County, KY

Whitley County's climate puts the Chard spring window between April 6 and April 27. most warm-season crops establish quickly once soil holds above 60°F. A second sowing from August 13 to August 27 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chard in Whitley 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.

Whitley County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 22, giving you a growing season of approximately 185 days.

At an elevation of 1,990 feet, Whitley County receives approximately 44.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season.

Whitley County, KY (Zone 7a) Moderate season
185 days
Last Spring Frost April 20
185 growing days
First Fall Frost October 22

Whitley County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Chard Planting Timeline — Whitley County, KY

Chard Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 16 Mar 16 – Mar 30
Transplant Outdoors April 20 Apr 20 – May 4
Direct Sow April 6 Apr 6 – Apr 27
Harvest June 15 Jun 15 – Aug 3
Fall Sowing August 13 Aug 13 – Aug 27

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
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

185 days in Whitley County

Growing Tips for Whitley 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 Whitley County, KY?

Whitley County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Whitley County, KY?

Whitley County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 22.

When should I plant Chard in Whitley County, KY?

In Whitley County, KY, plant Chard after the last frost (around April 20) and before the first frost (around October 22). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Whitley County, KY for Chard?

Whitley 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 Whitley County's climate?

Yes — Chard grows well in Whitley County's temperate climate. Whitley County averages a 185-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 20 and first frost around October 22.

🌱

Your Whitley County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Whitley 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.

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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 Whitley County, KY. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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