When to Plant Chard in Dauphin, MB
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.
Dauphin, Manitoba is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 140 days.
At an elevation of 1,000 feet, Dauphin receives approximately 12 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly black chernozem soil. Summer highs average 74°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chard to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Chard successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Dauphin Soil Profile
Soil Type
Black Chernozem
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
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.
How to Plant Chard
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
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 | — | 0.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 0.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 1.5" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 1.5" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 1.2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 1.4" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 1.2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 1" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | — | 0.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 0.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Dauphin). 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 — Dauphin, MB
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 17 | May 17 – May 31 |
| Direct Sow | May 10 | May 10 – May 31 |
| Harvest | July 12 | Jul 12 – Aug 30 |
| Fall Sowing | July 12 | Jul 12 – Jul 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | — |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4a
📆 Growing Season
140 days in Dauphin
Growing Tips for Dauphin
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 Dauphin, MB?
Dauphin is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 17. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Dauphin, MB?
Dauphin, Manitoba is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 17 and first fall frost is October 4.
Your Dauphin Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Dauphin (Zone 4a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.