When to Plant Chard in Baylor County, TX
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.
Baylor County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 239 days.
At an elevation of 2,365 feet, Baylor County receives approximately 56.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 92°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chard root diseases.
Baylor County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.2
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 Baylor County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.2) overlaps with Chard's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Baylor County is excellent for Chard — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.2%). 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 Sep 16 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 06.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.5" | 3.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.5" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 6.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 5.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.5" | 2.1" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Baylor 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 — Baylor County, TX
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 14 | Feb 14 – Feb 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 4 |
| Direct Sow | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 28 |
| Harvest | May 16 | May 16 – Jul 4 |
| Fall Sowing | September 6 | Sep 6 – Sep 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
239 days in Baylor County
Growing Tips for Chard in Baylor County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after March 21 in Baylor County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Baylor County reach 92°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
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 Baylor County, TX?
Baylor County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Baylor County, TX?
Baylor County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 15.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
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