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When to Plant Swiss Chard in Shavertown, Pennsylvania (18708)

Location

Shavertown, Pennsylvania

ZIP Code

18708

USDA Zone

6a

Last Frost

Monday, April 20, 2026

📅 Your 2026 Planting Dates

Direct Sow Outdoors

Monday, March 23, 2026

Based on last frost Monday, April 20, 2026 · Zone 6a

Pro tip: Sow Swiss Chard directly outdoors 4 weeks before your last frost date.

🌿 Plant Details

Scientific Name Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
Days to Maturity 55 days
Mature Height 18-24"
Spread 12"
Type Leaf
Fruit Size N/A

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun to Partial Shade

💧

Water

Regular (1-1.5 inches/week)

↔️

Spacing

8" apart

🌱

Planting Depth

0.5" deep

Seeds typically germinate in 5-10 days

Ready to Plant Swiss Chard in Shavertown?

Get your seeds now so they're ready by Monday, March 23, 2026.

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🤝 Good Companions

BeetOnionBeanCabbage

⚠️ Avoid Planting Near

LeekCorn
🤝

Full Companion Planting Guide for Swiss Chard

See which plants help Swiss Chard thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →

🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟡 Moderate
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Swiss chard is biennial — harvest seed stalks in year 2 when seeds are dry and tan.

Processing

Strip dried seed clusters, rub to separate, store as clusters (like beet seeds).

Seed Viability

Up to 4 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Swiss chard and beets are the same species — they cross via wind pollen. Don't save seed from both in the same year.

🪴

Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 72 plants of Swiss Chard. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Swiss Chard in Shavertown, Pennsylvania? +

In Shavertown (Zone 6a), direct sow Swiss Chard outdoors around Monday, March 23, 2026.

What is the last frost date for Shavertown, Pennsylvania? +

The average last spring frost date for Shavertown, Pennsylvania (ZIP 18708) is around Monday, April 20, 2026. This is based on NOAA climate normals for USDA Zone 6a.

How long does Swiss Chard take to grow? +

Swiss Chard typically matures in about 55 days from direct sowing. In Shavertown, that means you can expect harvest around Monday, March 23, 2026 plus 55 days.

Should I start Swiss Chard indoors or direct sow in Pennsylvania? +

Swiss Chard does best when direct sown outdoors. In Shavertown, sow directly around Monday, March 23, 2026.

Other Plants for Shavertown

Growing Swiss Chard in Zone 6a

Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. vulgaris) is a popular garden vegetable. In Shavertown, Pennsylvania, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a, you should direct sow seeds around Monday, March 23, 2026.

Your average last frost date is Monday, April 20, 2026. Swiss Chard grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.