When to Plant Chard in Somervell County, TX
May in the garden — Somervell County, Texas
Your Somervell County, Texas garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
-
Start harvesting chard
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
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.
Somervell County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 238 days.
At an elevation of 4,773 feet, Somervell County receives approximately 64.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 90°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.
Somervell County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
7.2-7.8
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 Somervell County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.2–7.8) is more alkaline than Chard prefers (6.0–7.0). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Heavy clay soil (46% clay) in Somervell County compacts easily and drains slowly. Amend with compost and avoid working soil when wet.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.3%). 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 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 03.
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 | — | 2.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.5" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 10.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 10.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 7.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 5.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.5" | 2.4" | 1.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Somervell 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 — Somervell County, TX
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 12 | Feb 12 – Feb 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 19 | Mar 19 – Apr 2 |
| Direct Sow | March 5 | Mar 5 – Mar 26 |
| Harvest | May 14 | May 14 – Jul 2 |
| Fall Sowing | September 3 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| 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
238 days in Somervell County
Growing Tips for Chard in Somervell County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after March 19 in Somervell County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Somervell County's clay soil (46% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Chard. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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 Somervell County, TX?
Somervell County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 19. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Somervell County, TX?
Somervell County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 19 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Somervell County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Somervell 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.