When to plant Chard in Crawford County, MI
Aim to plant Chard in Crawford County on or after May 8; the window stays open through May 29. Crawford County's 130-day frost-free season gives you a single solid spring crop with a brief fall option. A second sowing from July 21 to August 4 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chard in Crawford County, MI
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.
Crawford County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 130 days.
At an elevation of 894 feet, Crawford County receives approximately 34.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chard to ensure they mature before fall.
Crawford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chard Planting Timeline — Crawford County, MI
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 17 | Apr 17 – May 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 5 |
| Direct Sow | May 8 | May 8 – May 29 |
| Harvest | July 17 | Jul 17 – Sep 4 |
| Fall Sowing | July 21 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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 5a
📆 Growing Season
130 days in Crawford County
Growing Tips for Crawford 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
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chard in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chard in Crawford County, MI?
Crawford County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 22. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Crawford County, MI?
Crawford County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 29.
When should I plant Chard in Crawford County, MI?
In Crawford County, MI, plant Chard after the last frost (around May 22) and before the first frost (around September 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Crawford County, MI for Chard?
Crawford County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Chard grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chard grow in Crawford County's climate?
Yes — Chard grows well in Crawford County's temperate climate. Crawford County averages a 130-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 22 and first frost around September 29.
Your Crawford County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Crawford County (Zone 5a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.