When to Plant Chard in Lancaster County, VA
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.
Lancaster County, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 4 and the first fall frost is November 6, giving you a growing season of approximately 216 days.
At an elevation of 851 feet, Lancaster County receives approximately 48.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 94°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season.
Lancaster County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.9
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 Lancaster County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.4–6.9) overlaps with Chard's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Lancaster County is excellent for Chard — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). 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 07 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 28.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 4.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 5.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 4.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 3.5" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Lancaster 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 — Lancaster County, VA
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 28 | Feb 28 – Mar 14 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 4 | Apr 4 – Apr 18 |
| Direct Sow | March 21 | Mar 21 – Apr 11 |
| Harvest | May 30 | May 30 – Jul 18 |
| Fall Sowing | August 28 | Aug 28 – Sep 11 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing |
| 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 7b
📆 Growing Season
216 days in Lancaster County
Growing Tips for Chard in Lancaster County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after April 04 in Lancaster County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Summer highs in Lancaster County reach 94°F — grow Chard as a spring or fall crop. Use shade cloth if planting in summer.
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 Lancaster County, VA?
Lancaster County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 4. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Lancaster County, VA?
Lancaster County, Virginia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 4 and first fall frost is November 6.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Lancaster County gardeners in Zone 7b 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.