When to Plant Chard in Nacogdoches County, TX
Top priorities for Nacogdoches County, Texas gardeners in May
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for Nacogdoches County, Texas this May and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Start harvesting chard
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
June prep starts now
- 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.
Nacogdoches County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 16, giving you a growing season of approximately 254 days.
At an elevation of 21 feet, Nacogdoches County receives approximately 64.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season. 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.
Nacogdoches County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
5.7-6.5
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 Nacogdoches County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.7–6.5) overlaps with Chard's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Nacogdoches 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 moderate (2.0%). 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 17 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 07.
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 | — | 1.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.5" | 4.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 8.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 11.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 8.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.5" | 2" | 1.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Nacogdoches 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 — Nacogdoches County, TX
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 31 | Jan 31 – Feb 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 7 | Mar 7 – Mar 21 |
| Direct Sow | February 21 | Feb 21 – Mar 14 |
| Harvest | May 2 | May 2 – Jun 20 |
| Fall Sowing | September 7 | Sep 7 – Sep 21 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
254 days in Nacogdoches County
Growing Tips for Chard in Nacogdoches County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after March 07 in Nacogdoches County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Nacogdoches County dries quickly — mulch Chard with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
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 Nacogdoches County, TX?
Nacogdoches County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nacogdoches County, TX?
Nacogdoches County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 16.
Your Nacogdoches County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Nacogdoches 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.