When to plant Chard in Knox County, ME
Knox County gardeners should plant Chard between April 18 and May 9 in spring. With Knox County's Zone 6a climate (last frost May 2), Chard needs 50–60 days to mature — plant by August 13 for a full harvest. A second sowing from August 3 to August 17 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chard in Knox County, ME
Your August gardening checklist
August rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Knox County, Maine.
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Bring in the chard
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
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Kick off the fall garden with chard
Your first frost is about 8 weeks away — plenty of time for these to mature.
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.
Knox County, Maine is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.
At an elevation of 408 feet, Knox County receives approximately 41.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chard to ensure they mature before fall.
Knox County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.1-6.7
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 Knox County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.1–6.7) is more acidic than Chard prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Knox County is excellent for Chard — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chard.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.3%). 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 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 03.
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 | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.4" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Knox 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 — Knox County, ME
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Direct Sow | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 9 |
| Harvest | June 27 | Jun 27 – Aug 15 |
| Fall Sowing | August 3 | Aug 3 – Aug 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
163 days in Knox County
Growing Tips for Chard in Knox County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after May 02 in Knox 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 Knox County, ME?
Knox County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Knox County, ME?
Knox County, Maine is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 12.
When should I plant Chard in Knox County, ME?
In Knox County, ME, plant Chard after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Knox County, ME for Chard?
Knox County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Chard grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chard grow in Knox County's climate?
Yes — Chard grows well in Knox County's temperate climate. Knox County averages a 163-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 12.
Your Knox County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Knox County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.