When to Plant Chard in Crosby County, TX
Top priorities for Crosby County, Texas gardeners in May
Your Crosby County, Texas garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Fire up the seed-starting tray: chard
These need a head start before your last frost (April 6). Sow into cells now so you're ready to transplant in a few weeks.
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.
Crosby County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and the first fall frost is November 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 210 days.
At an elevation of 1,966 feet, Crosby County receives approximately 58.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 95°F, so Chard may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Chard will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chard root diseases.
Crosby County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.7-8.3
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 Crosby County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.7–8.3) is more alkaline than Chard prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Crosby County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Chard will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (0.9%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting 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 03 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 24.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — 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 | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 2.2" | 1.3" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 3.5" | 1.2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 1.7" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 10.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 10.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 7.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.5" | 3.3" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Crosby 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 — Crosby County, TX
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 2 | Mar 2 – Mar 16 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 20 |
| Direct Sow | March 23 | Mar 23 – Apr 13 |
| Harvest | June 1 | Jun 1 – Jul 20 |
| Fall Sowing | August 24 | Aug 24 – Sep 7 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
210 days in Crosby County
Growing Tips for Chard in Crosby County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after April 06 in Crosby County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Crosby County dries quickly — mulch Chard with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
Summer highs in Crosby County reach 95°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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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Chard in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chard in Crosby County, TX?
Crosby County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 6. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Crosby County, TX?
Crosby County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 6 and first fall frost is November 2.
Your Crosby County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Crosby County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.