When to Plant Chard in Bradford County, PA
What to do in May
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Bradford County, Pennsylvania.
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Move chard from tray to bed
Water the tray well an hour before you transplant. Roots slide out cleanly and settle in faster.
Get ahead of June
- Starting indoors: 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.
Bradford County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 154 days.
At an elevation of 857 feet, Bradford County receives approximately 39.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Chard during the growing season.
Bradford County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.8
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 Bradford County
How your county's soil matches Chard's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (4.9–6.8) is more acidic than Chard prefers (6.0–7.0). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Bradford County is excellent for Chard — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.7%). 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 | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 3.5" | 4.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 3.5" | 3.4" | 0.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jul | 3.5" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 3.5" | 3.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 3.5" | 3.1" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 3.5" | 3.1" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Oct in Bradford 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 — Bradford County, PA
Chard Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 17 |
| Harvest | July 5 | Jul 5 – Aug 23 |
| 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 | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| 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 6a
📆 Growing Season
154 days in Bradford County
Growing Tips for Chard in Bradford County
Direct sow Chard outdoors after May 10 in Bradford 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 Bradford County, PA?
Bradford County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Chard planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Bradford County, PA?
Bradford County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is October 11.
Your Bradford County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Bradford County (Zone 6a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.