When to Plant Chard in Belknap County, NH
May in the garden — Belknap County, New Hampshire
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
Set out chard seedlings
Bring a watering can to the bed. Each transplant gets a drink the moment it's in the ground, not ten minutes later.
Before June arrives, get these ready
- Starting indoors: chard
- First harvests: chard
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.
Belknap County, New Hampshire is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 161 days.
At an elevation of 764 feet, Belknap County receives approximately 48.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season.
Belknap County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.8-6.8
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 Belknap County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.8–6.8) is more acidic than Chard prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Belknap County is excellent for Chard — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.5%). 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 Aug 12 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 02.
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 | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 4.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Belknap 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 — Belknap County, NH
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 3 | May 3 – May 17 |
| Direct Sow | April 19 | Apr 19 – May 10 |
| Harvest | June 28 | Jun 28 – Aug 16 |
| Fall Sowing | August 2 | Aug 2 – Aug 16 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors 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
0.8"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–60 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 5b
📆 Growing Season
161 days in Belknap County
Growing Tips for Chard in Belknap County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after May 03 in Belknap 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
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Chard in Belknap County, NH?
Belknap County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of May 3. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Belknap County, NH?
Belknap County, New Hampshire is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is May 3 and first fall frost is October 11.
Your Belknap County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Belknap County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.