When to Plant Chard in Richmond County, NY
May to-do list for Richmond County, New York
Your Richmond County, New York garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
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Sow chard in trays indoors
Label every cell. You will absolutely forget which is which otherwise.
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Pick chard
This is the payoff month. Bring a basket, bring a friend, and get into the beds.
June prep starts now
- 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.
Richmond County, New York is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.
At an elevation of 891 feet, Richmond County receives approximately 46.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season.
Richmond County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.2-6.7
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 Richmond County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–6.7) is more acidic than Chard prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Richmond County is excellent for Chard — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (4.0%). 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 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 03.
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 | — | 3.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 3.5" | 4.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 3.5" | 3.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 3.5" | 4.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 4.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 3.5" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 3.5" | 3.1" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Richmond 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 — Richmond County, NY
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 22 | Feb 22 – Mar 8 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 29 | Mar 29 – Apr 12 |
| Direct Sow | March 15 | Mar 15 – Apr 5 |
| Harvest | May 24 | May 24 – Jul 12 |
| Fall Sowing | September 3 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
228 days in Richmond County
Growing Tips for Chard in Richmond County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after March 29 in Richmond 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 Richmond County, NY?
Richmond County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 29. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Richmond County, NY?
Richmond County, New York is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 29 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Richmond County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Richmond County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.