When to Plant Chard in Lehigh County, PA
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.
Lehigh County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and the first fall frost is October 24, giving you a growing season of approximately 187 days.
At an elevation of 376 feet, Lehigh County receives approximately 44.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season.
Lehigh County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.2
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 — Lehigh County, PA
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 16 | Mar 16 – Mar 30 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 20 | Apr 20 – May 4 |
| Direct Sow | April 6 | Apr 6 – Apr 27 |
| Fall Sowing | August 15 | Aug 15 – Aug 29 |
| Harvest | June 15 | Jun 15 – Aug 3 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | — |
| 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 6b
Growing Season
187 days
Growing Tips for Lehigh 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 Lehigh County, PA?
Lehigh County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 20. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lehigh County, PA?
Lehigh County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 20 and first fall frost is October 24.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lehigh County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
Get Your Free Garden Planner →Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.