When to Plant Chives in Orleans County, VT
Chives are a hardy perennial herb with a mild onion flavor and attractive purple pom-pom flowers. They are one of the easiest herbs to grow and maintain.
Orleans County, Vermont is in USDA Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and the first fall frost is October 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 144 days.
At an elevation of 48 feet, Orleans County receives approximately 49.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chives to ensure they mature before fall.
Orleans County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.5
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
Chives Planting Timeline — Orleans County, VT
Chives Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | May 20 | May 20 – Jun 3 |
| Harvest | July 22 | Jul 22 – Sep 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | — |
| May | Transplant Outdoors |
| June | Transplant Outdoors |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
60–90 days
Soil pH
6 – 7
USDA Zone
Zone 4a
Growing Season
144 days
Growing Tips for Orleans County
Start from seed or divisions in spring. Cut back to 2 inches after flowering to encourage fresh growth. Both the leaves and flowers are edible and delicious.
Companion Planting
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Level Up Your Garden
Chives in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chives in Orleans County, VT?
Orleans County is in Zone 4a with an average last frost of May 13. Plan your Chives planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Orleans County, VT?
Orleans County, Vermont is in USDA Hardiness Zone 4a. The average last spring frost is May 13 and first fall frost is October 4.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Orleans County gardeners in Zone 4a 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.