When to Plant Chard in Hunt County, TX
What to do in May
May is a pivotal month for Hunt County, Texas gardens. Focus on these tasks first and you'll set up the rest of the season for success.
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Bring in the chard
Taste as you pick. The first ripe produce is the best feedback loop you'll get all season.
A few tasks this May that'll pay off in 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.
Hunt County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and the first fall frost is November 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 245 days.
At an elevation of 1 feet, Hunt County receives approximately 57.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 93°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Chard, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Chard root diseases.
Hunt County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
6.7-7.8
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 Hunt County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.7–7.8) is more alkaline than Chard prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Heavy clay soil (43% clay) in Hunt County compacts easily and drains slowly. Amend with compost and avoid working soil when wet.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chard.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). 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 | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 6.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 7.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.1" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.5" | 1.7" | 1.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Hunt 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 — Hunt County, TX
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 8 | Feb 8 – Feb 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 15 | Mar 15 – Mar 29 |
| Direct Sow | March 1 | Mar 1 – Mar 22 |
| Harvest | May 10 | May 10 – Jun 28 |
| 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 | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | — |
| 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: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
245 days in Hunt County
Growing Tips for Chard in Hunt County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after March 15 in Hunt County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Hunt County's clay soil (43% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Chard. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
Summer highs in Hunt County reach 93°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 Hunt County, TX?
Hunt County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 15. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hunt County, TX?
Hunt County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 15 and first fall frost is November 15.
Your Hunt County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Hunt County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.