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When to plant Chard in Tate County, MS

Chard planted in Tate County between March 13 and April 3 matures in 50–60 days — well before the October 31 first frost. A second sowing from August 22 to September 5 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Chard in Tate 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.

Tate County, Mississippi is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 218 days.

At an elevation of 374 feet, Tate County receives approximately 61.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 89°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.

Tate County, MS (Zone 8a) Long season
218 days
Last Spring Frost March 27
218 growing days
First Fall Frost October 31

Tate County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Chard Planting Timeline — Tate County, MS

Chard Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 20 Feb 20 – Mar 6
Transplant Outdoors March 27 Mar 27 – Apr 10
Direct Sow March 13 Mar 13 – Apr 3
Harvest May 22 May 22 – Jul 10
Fall Sowing August 22 Aug 22 – Sep 5

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 Direct Sow
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 8a

📆 Growing Season

218 days in Tate County

Growing Tips for Tate 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 Tate County, MS?

Tate County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 27. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Tate County, MS?

Tate County, Mississippi is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 27 and first fall frost is October 31.

When should I plant Chard in Tate County, MS?

In Tate County, MS, plant Chard after the last frost (around March 27) and before the first frost (around October 31). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Tate County, MS for Chard?

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

Can Chard grow in Tate County's climate?

Yes — Chard grows well in Tate County's temperate climate. Tate County averages a 218-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 27 and first frost around October 31.

🌱

Your Tate County Garden Planner — Free

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

Sources & credits

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