When to Plant Chard in Bee 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.
Bee County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and the first fall frost is December 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 301 days.
At an elevation of 2,076 feet, Bee County receives approximately 68.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 103°F, so Chard may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chard root diseases.
Bee County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.6-7.5
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 Bee County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.6–7.5) is more alkaline than Chard prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Bee County is excellent for Chard — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.9%). 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 Oct 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 16.
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.5" | 2.4" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3.5" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 10.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 9.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 8.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 8.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.5" | 2.6" | 0.9" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 3.5" | 1.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Bee 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 — Bee County, TX
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 16 | Jan 16 – Jan 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 13 | Feb 13 – Feb 27 |
| Direct Sow | January 23 | Jan 23 – Feb 13 |
| Harvest | April 10 | Apr 10 – May 29 |
| Fall Sowing | October 16 | Oct 16 – Oct 30 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | — |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
301 days in Bee County
Growing Tips for Chard in Bee County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after February 13 in Bee County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Bee County reach 103°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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Chard in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chard in Bee County, TX?
Bee County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 13. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bee County, TX?
Bee County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 13 and first fall frost is December 11.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Bee County gardeners in Zone 9a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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