When to plant Chard in Pacifica, CA
The best window to plant Chard in Pacifica, is December 28–January 18, when soil warms to 50°F. Last frost typically hits January 18; first frost December 12. A second sowing from October 17 to October 31 extends the harvest into fall.
When to Plant Chard in Pacifica, CA
What to do in June
We've pulled the most time-sensitive tasks for San Mateo County, California this June and put them front and centre. Tackle them in order.
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Survive, don't thrive
June-August is endurance gardening. Keep okra, peppers, sweet potatoes, and southern peas alive. Harvest everything daily before the heat damages produce on the vine.
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Start fall tomato seeds indoors
Yes, indoors — under lights or in AC. They'll be ready to transplant in August when temperatures briefly moderate.
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Add compost to empty beds
Empty beds get a thick layer of compost + mulch to suppress weeds and feed the soil for fall planting.
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.
Pacifica, California is in USDA Zone 10a. The average last spring frost is January 18 and the first fall frost is December 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 328 days.
At an elevation of 277 feet, San Mateo County receives approximately 16.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 81°F, so choose short-season varieties of Chard to ensure they mature before fall. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Chard successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Pacifica Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.8-7.2
Drainage
Well Drained
Chard 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 Pacifica
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–7.2) overlaps with Chard's range (6.0–7.0), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The loam soil in San Mateo County is excellent for Chard — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Chard.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.6%). Annual compost additions will help Chard.
How to Plant Chard
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Chard
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Oct 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 17.
Chard Water Budget
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
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 | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Feb | 3.5" | 3.4" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Mar | 3.5" | 2.7" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 3.5" | 1.2" | 2.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 3.5" | 0.4" | 3.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 3.5" | 0.1" | 3.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 0" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 3.5" | 0" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 3.5" | 0.2" | 3.3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 0.7" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Nov | 3.5" | 1.4" | 2.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 3.5" | 2.9" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Jan–Dec in San Mateo 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 — Pacifica, CA
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | December 21 | Dec 21 – Jan 4 |
| Transplant Outdoors | January 18 | Jan 18 – Feb 1 |
| Direct Sow | December 28 | Dec 28 – Jan 18 |
| Harvest | March 15 | Mar 15 – May 3 |
| Fall Sowing | October 17 | Oct 17 – Oct 31 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| February | Transplant Outdoors |
| March | Harvest |
| April | Harvest |
| May | Harvest |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | — |
| September | — |
| October | Fall Sowing |
| November | — |
| December | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Partial Shade (3-6 hours)
💧 Water
0.8"/week · 2-3 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 10a
📆 Growing Season
328 days in San Mateo County
Growing Tips for Chard in Pacifica
Direct sow Chard outdoors after January 18 in San Mateo County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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
When should I plant Chard in Pacifica, CA?
In Pacifica, CA, plant Chard after the last frost (around January 18) and before the first frost (around December 12). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.
What growing zone is Pacifica, CA for Chard?
Pacifica sits in USDA Zone 10a. Chard grows reliably in zones 2a through 11b, so it's a good fit here.
Can Chard grow in Pacifica's climate?
Yes — Chard grows well in Pacifica's temperate climate. Pacifica averages a 329-day frost-free season, with last frost around January 18 and first frost around December 12.
Your San Mateo County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for San Mateo County (Zone 10a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.