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When to plant Chard in Roscommon County, MI

Roscommon County sits in USDA Zone 5a. Plant Chard between May 1 (after last frost on May 15) and May 22. A second sowing from July 24 to August 7 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chard in Roscommon 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.

Roscommon County, Michigan is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 140 days.

At an elevation of 1,298 feet, Roscommon County receives approximately 36 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.

Roscommon County, MI (Zone 5a) Short season
140 days
Last Spring Frost May 15
140 growing days
First Fall Frost October 2

Roscommon County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Chard Planting Timeline — Roscommon County, MI

Chard Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors April 10 Apr 10 – Apr 24
Transplant Outdoors May 15 May 15 – May 29
Direct Sow May 1 May 1 – May 22
Harvest July 10 Jul 10 – Aug 28
Fall Sowing July 24 Jul 24 – Aug 7

Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June
July Fall Sowing Harvest
August Fall Sowing Harvest
September
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

140 days in Roscommon County

Growing Tips for Roscommon 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

  • Corn
  • Cucumbers

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Chard in Roscommon County, MI?

Roscommon County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Roscommon County, MI?

Roscommon County, Michigan is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is October 2.

When should I plant Chard in Roscommon County, MI?

In Roscommon County, MI, plant Chard after the last frost (around May 15) and before the first frost (around October 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Roscommon County, MI for Chard?

Roscommon 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 Roscommon County's climate?

Yes — Chard grows well in Roscommon County's temperate climate. Roscommon County averages a 140-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 15 and first frost around October 2.

🌱

Your Roscommon County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Roscommon 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.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Roscommon County, MI. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: August 2026.

Sources & credits

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