Ideally, your maturity date should be a couple of weeks before the date of the last frost. First and last frost days may vary by 2 weeks (or more depending on the weather). Again, if you plant new seeds every couple of weeks, you can continue to harvest the plants throughout the season. Space seeds or transplants 6 inches apart (15 cm.) Covering the crop or sowing in a cold frame can help protect the plants. in beds 12 inches apart (30.5 cm.). The best time for Swiss chard fall planting is July 15 through August 15. Sign up for our newsletter. Often, you will get another flush of small leaves and stems if the weather isn’t hot or freezing. Are you at a loss for when to plant your vegetables? Varieties: Warnings aside, I like Bright Lights Chard and Five Color Chard because they’re both beautiful and colorful. Planting too early can increase the risk of bolting to seed. per week at the seedling stage. In order to successfully get a harvest before the freezing weather comes, you have to know when to plant chard in autumn. Swiss chard plants can grow up to two feet (60 cm.) This will give your remaining plants more space to grow. That way an unexpected early freeze can’t harm the plants, although mature Swiss chard can withstand short periods of freezing. The whole idea is to get those tender spears before the plant tries to set seed; otherwise, the stems and leaves will be bitter. When you are ready to harvest the whole plant, cut off stems to within 2 inches (5 cm) of soil. A week before winter/spring crops are harvested start hardening off the swiss chard plants by placing them outside for a few hours each day in direct sunlight (each day add and additional hour) Once all winter/spring crops have been harvest replace them with the swiss chard For a fall harvest, timing is everything, so plants have time to mature before eating. It is also a fairly rapidly maturing crop that is ready for harvest in about 50 to 75 days from planting. These times will be listed on your seed packet and are usually delineated by a chart on a map. The exact time will depend on your zone. Young plants are not drought tolerant and low moisture will affect their early growth. It tastes its best when the mature plant experiences some cold nights and may develop bitterness when grown in warm months. It prefers cooler soil, as the plant develops and matures and will bolt if it is a mature crop in summer. They are highly prolific and can be easily preserved for later consumption by, Basil originates from warm climates and grows very well whenever the temperatures stay above the frost level. This planting calendar provides a monthly planting and harvesting plan for more than 200 garden vegetables in 10 different USDA hardiness growing zones. Swiss chard may be stored for up to a week in the refrigerator. Vegetable Planting Calendar for All Zones. You may also select a low bolt seed mix. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Zones 9 has a long growing window for gardening. With a last frost date of January 30th or earlier and first frost date as late as November 30th to December 30th. You can start chard indoors five or six weeks before the last expected frost. A row cover can be used to help insulate and protect plants from early frosts as well. You could even plant these as ornamentals in your front yard! One of the crucial items to Swiss chard fall planting is to water 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm.) The exact time will depend on your zone. What is a Plant Hardiness Zone. New stems and leaves will replace the harvested material. Mulching around the plants can help prevent weeds, conserve moisture, and protect roots in case of an early light freeze. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! 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