When to Plant Chard in Nantucket County, MA
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.
Nantucket County, Massachusetts is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 206 days.
At an elevation of 632 feet, Nantucket County receives approximately 48 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season.
Nantucket County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.2
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.
Plant Water Budget
Chard Planting Timeline — Nantucket County, MA
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 8 | Mar 8 – Mar 22 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 12 | Apr 12 – Apr 26 |
| Direct Sow | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 19 |
| Fall Sowing | August 26 | Aug 26 – Sep 9 |
| Harvest | June 7 | Jun 7 – Jul 26 |
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
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
50–60 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 7a
Growing Season
206 days
Growing Tips for Nantucket County
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
Level Up Your Garden
Chard in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chard in Nantucket County, MA?
Nantucket County is in Zone 7a with an average last frost of April 12. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Nantucket County, MA?
Nantucket County, Massachusetts is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 12 and first fall frost is November 4.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Nantucket County gardeners in Zone 7a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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