When to Plant Chard in Clinton County, MO
Top priorities for Clinton County, Missouri gardeners in May
Your Clinton County, Missouri garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
-
Get chard seeds going inside
A seed-starting mix and a sunny window (or a grow light) are all you need. Keep soil warm — around 70°F — for fast germination.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- 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.
Clinton County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 195 days.
At an elevation of 525 feet, Clinton County receives approximately 36.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chard to ensure they mature before fall.
Clinton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-7.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant 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 Clinton County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–7.1) overlaps with Chard's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Clinton County is excellent for Chard — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). 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.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3.2" | 0.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 3.4" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Clinton 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 — Clinton County, MO
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 9 | Mar 9 – Mar 23 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 13 | Apr 13 – Apr 27 |
| Direct Sow | March 30 | Mar 30 – Apr 20 |
| Harvest | June 8 | Jun 8 – Jul 27 |
| 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 · Only during dry spells
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6a
📆 Growing Season
195 days in Clinton County
Growing Tips for Chard in Clinton County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after April 13 in Clinton 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 Clinton County, MO?
Clinton County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 13. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clinton County, MO?
Clinton County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 13 and first fall frost is October 25.
Your Clinton County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Clinton County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.