When to plant Chard in Bates County, MO
Spring Chard in Bates County goes in March 26–April 16, once nighttime temps stop dipping near freezing. A second sowing from August 16 to August 30 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chard in Bates County, MO
Top priorities for Bates County, Missouri gardeners in June
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Bates County, Missouri this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Harvest chard as they ripen
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
A few tasks this June that'll pay off in July
- First harvests: 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.
Bates County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 199 days.
At an elevation of 1,397 feet, Bates County receives approximately 39 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season.
Bates County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.8
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 Bates County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.8) overlaps with Chard's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Bates County is excellent for Chard — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chard.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.0%). Annual compost additions will help Chard.
How to Plant Chard
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chard
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 26 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 16.
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.2" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 2.9" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Bates 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 — Bates County, MO
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 9 | Apr 9 – Apr 23 |
| Direct Sow | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 16 |
| Harvest | June 4 | Jun 4 – Jul 23 |
| Fall Sowing | August 16 | Aug 16 – Aug 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
199 days in Bates County
Growing Tips for Chard in Bates County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after April 09 in Bates 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 Bates County, MO?
Bates County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 9. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bates County, MO?
Bates County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 9 and first fall frost is October 25.
When should I plant Chard in Bates County, MO?
In Bates County, MO, plant Chard after the last frost (around April 9) and before the first frost (around October 25). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Bates County, MO for Chard?
Bates County sits in USDA Zone 6b. Chard grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chard grow in Bates County's climate?
Yes — Chard grows well in Bates County's temperate climate. Bates County averages a 199-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 9 and first frost around October 25.
Your Bates County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Bates County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.