When to plant Swiss chard in Washington County, Virginia, United States

Swiss chard can be planted after April 28, when air temperature is consistently in a range between 20°F and 80°F and soil temperature is above 45°F. For the best results, Swiss chard should be planted after May 22, when air temperature is consistently in a range between 50°F and 75°F and soil temperature is above 50°F.

Growing Swiss chard in Washington County

Washington County has on average 173 days, suitable for growing Swiss chard. Swiss chard needs on average between 50 and 60 days to mature and produce harvest. With 173 days suitable for growing, you can expect good harvest without too much effort if all planting activities are done in timely manner.

Swiss chard seeds can be planted between April 28 and August 28. Planting before April 28 without any additional protection is not advised because cold streaks can damage or kill off young plant. When planting after August 28, Swiss chard will not have enough time to mature and produce harvest.

Growing season extention

In order to maximize chances for a good harvest of Swiss chard in Washington County, some extra steps can be taken to extend growing season.

Start seeds indoors

When starting seeds indoors, it is possible to guarantee best possible conditions for young seedlings. Consistent temperature range, adequate watering and ample light (natural, supplemented with artifitial grow lights) will ensure you have strong and healthy seedlings just in time for transplanting into soil.

It takes 42 days on average for Swiss chard to sprout, and grow big enough to be ready for transplanting.

April 28 is on average first day in Washington County that has required temperatures for young Swiss chard seedlings to grow, without worrying about cold damage.

Seeds can be started indoors beween March 17 and August 18, this way they will be ready just in time for transplanting on April 28.

Seedlings started after August 18 might not have enough time to mature and produce harvest.

Use a cold frame

When using a cold frame in a beggining of growing season You can protect young plants from possible temperature drops, this way growing season can start up to 2 weeks earlier.

Use an additional shading

On days, when air temperatures are expected to raise above 80°F, which is in top of tolerable range for Swiss chard, consider using additional shading to prevent heat shock.

Table with days suitable to grow vegetables in Washington County, Virginia