When to Plant Chard in Calhoun County, TX
Your May game plan for Calhoun County, Texas
Here's what deserves your attention in Calhoun County, Texas this month. Everything below is tailored to Zone 9b and timed around your local frost dates.
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Collect chard at their peak
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- 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.
Calhoun County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 16 and the first fall frost is December 7, giving you a growing season of approximately 294 days.
At an elevation of 215 feet, Calhoun County receives approximately 59.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 99°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.
Calhoun County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.2-7.8
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 Calhoun County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.2–7.8) overlaps with Chard's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in Calhoun 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 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chard
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 08 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 12.
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 3.5" | 2.2" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3.5" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 6.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 9.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 7.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 6.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 5.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.5" | 2.2" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | 3.5" | 1.9" | 1.6" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Calhoun 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 — Calhoun County, TX
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 19 | Jan 19 – Feb 2 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 16 | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Direct Sow | January 26 | Jan 26 – Feb 16 |
| Harvest | April 13 | Apr 13 – Jun 1 |
| Fall Sowing | October 12 | Oct 12 – Oct 26 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9b
📆 Growing Season
294 days in Calhoun County
Growing Tips for Chard in Calhoun County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after February 16 in Calhoun County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Calhoun County reach 99°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 Calhoun County, TX?
Calhoun County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 16. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Calhoun County, TX?
Calhoun County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 16 and first fall frost is December 7.
Your Calhoun County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Calhoun County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.