When to plant Chard in Smith County, MS
Aim to plant Chard in Smith County on or after February 27; the window stays open through March 20. Smith County's 245-day frost-free season gives you enough for a full main crop and a short fall succession. A second sowing from September 4 to September 18 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chard in Smith 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.
Smith County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 13 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 245 days.
At an elevation of 492 feet, Smith County receives approximately 58.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Chard may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. 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.
Smith County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.5
Drainage
Well Drained
Monthly Watering Guide for Chard
Chard needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.
| Month | Chard Needs | Rainfall | You Supplement | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 5.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 5.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 4.2" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Smith County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Chard Planting Timeline — Smith County, MS
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 6 | Feb 6 – Feb 20 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 13 | Mar 13 – Mar 27 |
| Direct Sow | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 20 |
| Harvest | May 8 | May 8 – Jun 26 |
| Fall Sowing | September 4 | Sep 4 – Sep 18 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| 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
245 days in Smith County
Growing Tips for Smith 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 Smith County, MS?
Smith County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 13. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Smith County, MS?
Smith County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 13 and first fall frost is November 13.
When should I plant Chard in Smith County, MS?
In Smith County, MS, plant Chard after the last frost (around March 13) and before the first frost (around November 13). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Smith County, MS for Chard?
Smith 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 Smith County's climate?
Yes — Chard grows well in Smith County's temperate climate. Smith County averages a 245-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 13 and first frost around November 13.
Your Smith County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Smith 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.