When to Plant Chard in Divide County, ND
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.
Divide County, North Dakota is in USDA Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and the first fall frost is September 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 128 days.
At an elevation of 994 feet, Divide County receives approximately 20.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 79°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chard to ensure they mature before fall.
Divide County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.6
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 Divide County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.6) overlaps with Chard's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Divide County is excellent for Chard — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.9%). Annual compost additions will help Chard.
How to Plant Chard
Fall planting: Sow 12 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chard
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 22 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jun 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 | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 2.8" | 0.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 1.3" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 1.7" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 2.1" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 1.8" | 1.7" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 1.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Divide 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 — Divide County, ND
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Direct Sow | May 8 | May 8 – May 29 |
| Harvest | July 10 | Jul 10 – Aug 28 |
| Fall Sowing | June 28 | Jun 28 – Jul 12 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | Fall Sowing |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| 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 3b
📆 Growing Season
128 days in Divide County
Growing Tips for Chard in Divide County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after May 15 in Divide 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 Divide County, ND?
Divide County is in Zone 3b with an average last frost of May 15. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Divide County, ND?
Divide County, North Dakota is in USDA Hardiness Zone 3b. The average last spring frost is May 15 and first fall frost is September 20.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Divide County gardeners in Zone 3b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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