When to Plant Chard in Clark County, NV
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.
Clark County, Nevada is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 28 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 268 days.
At an elevation of 2,811 feet, Clark County receives approximately 9.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 111°F, so Chard may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Chard will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Chard successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Clark County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.3-8.4
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 Clark County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.3–8.4) is more alkaline than Chard prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Clark County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Chard will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chard.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.8%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Chard.
How to Plant Chard
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chard
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 24 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 28.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 10/10 — 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 | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.5" | 0.6" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 3.5" | 0.6" | 2.9" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Apr | 3.5" | 0.3" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 3.5" | 0.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 0.3" | 3.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 1.5" | 2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 1.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 1.2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 0.9" | 2.6" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 3.5" | 0.5" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 0.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Clark 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 — Clark County, NV
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 31 | Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Direct Sow | February 7 | Feb 7 – Feb 28 |
| Harvest | April 25 | Apr 25 – Jun 13 |
| Fall Sowing | September 28 | Sep 28 – Oct 12 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
268 days in Clark County
Growing Tips for Chard in Clark County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after February 28 in Clark County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Clark County dries quickly — mulch Chard with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Summer highs in Clark County reach 111°F — grow Chard as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
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
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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chard in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chard in Clark County, NV?
Clark County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 28. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Clark County, NV?
Clark County, Nevada is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 28 and first fall frost is November 23.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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