When to plant Chard in Rock County, MN
In Rock County, plant Chard in spring between April 18 and May 9, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Rock County's last frost averages May 2, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between July 24 and August 7 — roughly 50–60 days before the first frost on October 2.
When to Plant Chard in Rock County, MN
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.
Rock County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 153 days.
At an elevation of 916 feet, Rock County receives approximately 32.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 82°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chard to ensure they mature before fall.
Rock County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Drainage
Well Drained
Chard Planting Timeline — Rock County, MN
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 28 | Mar 28 – Apr 11 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Direct Sow | April 18 | Apr 18 – May 9 |
| Harvest | June 27 | Jun 27 – Aug 15 |
| Fall Sowing | July 24 | Jul 24 – Aug 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Harvest |
| 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
153 days in Rock County
Growing Tips for Rock 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 Rock County, MN?
Rock County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 2. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rock County, MN?
Rock County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 2.
When should I plant Chard in Rock County, MN?
In Rock County, MN, plant Chard after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Rock County, MN for Chard?
Rock 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 Rock County's climate?
Yes — Chard grows well in Rock County's temperate climate. Rock County averages a 153-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 2.
Your Rock County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Rock 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.