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When to plant Chard in Scott County, MS

Aim to plant Chard in Scott County on or after March 8; the window stays open through March 29. Scott County's 229-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from August 28 to September 11 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chard in Scott County, MS

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.

Scott County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 229 days.

At an elevation of 344 feet, Scott County receives approximately 61.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Chard, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chard root diseases.

Scott County, MS (Zone 8b) Long season
229 days
Last Spring Frost March 22
229 growing days
First Fall Frost November 6

Scott County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Chard Planting Timeline — Scott County, MS

Chard Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 15 Feb 15 – Mar 1
Transplant Outdoors March 22 Mar 22 – Apr 5
Direct Sow March 8 Mar 8 – Mar 29
Harvest May 17 May 17 – Jul 5
Fall Sowing August 28 Aug 28 – Sep 11

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September Fall Sowing
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 8b

📆 Growing Season

229 days in Scott County

Growing Tips for Scott 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 Scott County, MS?

Scott County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 22. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Scott County, MS?

Scott County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 22 and first fall frost is November 6.

When should I plant Chard in Scott County, MS?

In Scott County, MS, plant Chard after the last frost (around March 22) and before the first frost (around November 6). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Scott County, MS for Chard?

Scott County sits in USDA Zone 8b. Chard grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Chard grow in Scott County's climate?

Yes — Chard grows well in Scott County's temperate climate. Scott County averages a 229-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 22 and first frost around November 6.

🌱

Your Scott County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Scott County (Zone 8b). 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 Scott County, MS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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