When to Plant Chard in Monroe 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.
Monroe County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 170 days.
At an elevation of 532 feet, Monroe County receives approximately 42.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 84°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chard to ensure they mature before fall.
Monroe County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.2
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 — Monroe County, PA
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 26 | Mar 26 – Apr 9 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Direct Sow | April 16 | Apr 16 – May 7 |
| Fall Sowing | August 8 | Aug 8 – Aug 22 |
| Harvest | June 25 | Jun 25 – Aug 13 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| 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 5b
Growing Season
170 days
Growing Tips for Monroe 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 Monroe County, PA?
Monroe County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Monroe County, PA?
Monroe County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Monroe County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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