When to plant Chard in Monroe County, MI
Monroe County's climate puts the Chard spring window between April 13 and May 4. time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. A second sowing from August 8 to August 22 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chard in Monroe County, MI
This month in Monroe County, Michigan
July is a pivotal month for Monroe County, Michigan gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
-
Bring in the chard
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Before August arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Monroe County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 173 days.
At an elevation of 1,202 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 40.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season.
Monroe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.8-7.2
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 Monroe County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–7.2) overlaps with Chard's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Monroe County is excellent for Chard — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chard.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.2%) — Chard will thrive.
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 18 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 08.
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Monroe 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 — Monroe County, MI
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 6 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 27 | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Direct Sow | April 13 | Apr 13 – May 4 |
| Harvest | June 22 | Jun 22 – Aug 10 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors 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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
173 days in Monroe County
Growing Tips for Chard in Monroe County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after April 27 in Monroe 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 Monroe County, MI?
Monroe County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 27. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Monroe County, MI?
Monroe County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 27 and first fall frost is October 17.
When should I plant Chard in Monroe County, MI?
In Monroe County, MI, plant Chard after the last frost (around April 27) and before the first frost (around October 17). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Monroe County, MI for Chard?
Monroe County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Chard grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chard grow in Monroe County's climate?
Yes — Chard grows well in Monroe County's temperate climate. Monroe County averages a 173-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 27 and first frost around October 17.
Your Monroe County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Monroe County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.