When to plant Chard in Gogebic County, MI
For Gogebic County, gardeners: plant Chard May 15 through June 5 once soil reads 50°F. A second sowing from July 3 to July 17 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chard in Gogebic County, MI
Your June gardening checklist
Welcome to June in Zone 4b. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
To set up a strong July, finish these tasks
- Starting indoors: chard
- First harvests: chard
- Fall sowing: 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.
Gogebic County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and the first fall frost is September 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 126 days.
At an elevation of 695 feet, Gogebic County receives approximately 33.2 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.
Gogebic County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-6.9
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 Gogebic County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–6.9) is within Chard's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Gogebic County is excellent for Chard — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.7%) — Chard will thrive.
How to Plant Chard
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chard
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 27 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Gogebic 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 — Gogebic County, MI
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 10 | Apr 10 – Apr 24 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 22 | May 22 – Jun 5 |
| Direct Sow | May 15 | May 15 – Jun 5 |
| Harvest | July 17 | Jul 17 – Sep 4 |
| Fall Sowing | July 3 | Jul 3 – Jul 17 |
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 | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| 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: ideal
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 4b
📆 Growing Season
126 days in Gogebic County
Growing Tips for Chard in Gogebic County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after May 22 in Gogebic 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 Gogebic County, MI?
Gogebic County is in Zone 4b 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 Gogebic County, MI?
Gogebic County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 22 and first fall frost is September 25.
When should I plant Chard in Gogebic County, MI?
In Gogebic County, MI, plant Chard after the last frost (around May 22) and before the first frost (around September 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Gogebic County, MI for Chard?
Gogebic County sits in USDA Zone 4b. Chard grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chard grow in Gogebic County's climate?
Yes — Chard grows well in Gogebic County's temperate climate. Gogebic County averages a 126-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 22 and first frost around September 25.
Your Gogebic County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Gogebic County (Zone 4b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.