When to plant Chard in Stevens County, MN
Stevens County gardeners should plant Chard between April 25 and May 16 in spring. With Stevens County's Zone 4b climate (last frost May 2), Chard needs 60 days to mature — plant by August 7 for a full harvest. A second sowing from July 14 to July 28 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chard in Stevens County, MN
June to-do list for Stevens County, Minnesota
Here's what deserves your attention in Stevens County, Minnesota this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 4b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Begin indoor sowing: chard
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
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Harvest chard as they ripen
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Looking ahead to July
- 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.
Stevens County, Minnesota is in USDA Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and the first fall frost is October 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 157 days.
At an elevation of 1,259 feet, Stevens County receives approximately 37.3 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.
Stevens County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
6.1-7
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 Stevens County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.1–7.0) is within Chard's preferred range (6.0–7.0).
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Stevens County is excellent for Chard — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (4.0%) — 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 Aug 07 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 14.
Chard Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 2.9" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 2.8" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Stevens 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 — Stevens County, MN
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Direct Sow | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 16 |
| Harvest | June 27 | Jun 27 – Aug 15 |
| Fall Sowing | July 14 | Jul 14 – Jul 28 |
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 | Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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
157 days in Stevens County
Growing Tips for Chard in Stevens County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after May 02 in Stevens 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 Stevens County, MN?
Stevens County is in Zone 4b 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 Stevens County, MN?
Stevens County, Minnesota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4b. The average last spring frost is May 2 and first fall frost is October 6.
When should I plant Chard in Stevens County, MN?
In Stevens County, MN, plant Chard after the last frost (around May 2) and before the first frost (around October 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Stevens County, MN for Chard?
Stevens 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 Stevens County's climate?
Yes — Chard grows well in Stevens County's temperate climate. Stevens County averages a 157-day frost-free season, with last frost around May 2 and first frost around October 6.
Your Stevens County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Stevens 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.