When to Plant Chard in Bertie County, NC
May to-do list for Bertie County, North Carolina
A quick May briefing for Bertie County, North Carolina gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
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Pick chard
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
Looking ahead to June
- 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.
Bertie County, North Carolina is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 231 days.
At an elevation of 553 feet, Bertie County receives approximately 54.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°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.
Bertie County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay Loam
Soil pH
5.8-6.5
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 Bertie County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.8–6.5) overlaps with Chard's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The clay loam soil in Bertie County is excellent for Chard — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.5%). 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 Sep 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 03.
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 | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Bertie 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 — Bertie County, NC
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 19 | Feb 19 – Mar 5 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Direct Sow | March 12 | Mar 12 – Apr 2 |
| Harvest | May 21 | May 21 – Jul 9 |
| Fall Sowing | September 3 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| 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 8a
📆 Growing Season
231 days in Bertie County
Growing Tips for Chard in Bertie County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after March 26 in Bertie County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Bertie County's clay soil (27% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Chard. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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 Bertie County, NC?
Bertie County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bertie County, NC?
Bertie County, North Carolina is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Bertie County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Bertie 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.