When to plant Chard in Daviess County, MO
In Daviess County, plant Chard in spring between April 1 and April 22, once soil temps hold above 50°F. Daviess County's last frost averages April 15, so time plantings around the expected last-frost window for best survival. For a fall crop, sow between August 9 and August 23 — roughly 50–60 days before the first frost on October 18.
When to Plant Chard in Daviess County, MO
July in the garden — Daviess County, Missouri
Here's what deserves your attention in Daviess County, Missouri this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 6a and timed around your local frost dates.
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Collect chard at their peak
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Before August arrives, get these ready
- Fall sowing: 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.
Daviess County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and the first fall frost is October 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 186 days.
At an elevation of 917 feet, Daviess County receives approximately 37.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 85°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season.
Daviess County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.7
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 Daviess County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.7) overlaps with Chard's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Daviess County is excellent for Chard — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). 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 19 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 09.
Chard 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 | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Daviess 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 — Daviess County, MO
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 11 | Mar 11 – Mar 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 15 | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Direct Sow | April 1 | Apr 1 – Apr 22 |
| Harvest | June 10 | Jun 10 – Jul 29 |
| Fall Sowing | August 9 | Aug 9 – Aug 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
186 days in Daviess County
Growing Tips for Chard in Daviess County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after April 15 in Daviess 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 Daviess County, MO?
Daviess County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 15. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Daviess County, MO?
Daviess County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 15 and first fall frost is October 18.
When should I plant Chard in Daviess County, MO?
In Daviess County, MO, plant Chard after the last frost (around April 15) and before the first frost (around October 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Daviess County, MO for Chard?
Daviess County sits in USDA Zone 6a. Chard grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chard grow in Daviess County's climate?
Yes — Chard grows well in Daviess County's temperate climate. Daviess County averages a 186-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 15 and first frost around October 18.
Your Daviess County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Daviess 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.