When to plant Swiss chard in Aberdeen and Hoquiam, WA

Plant Swiss chard from seed, directly in the garden in Aberdeen and Hoquiam, Apr 1 – May 27. For a fall harvest, plant again Aug 6–20.

Easy Plant seeds in the ground

Why these dates

Aberdeen and Hoquiam's typical last spring frost is March 30. On the coast, the soil is usually ready for Swiss chard around April 1.

Coast. Mild winters but cool, foggy summers. Frost is rarely the problem; warmth is. Pick early, cool-tolerant varieties of tomatoes and squash.

Prepare the bed: loosen the soil and mix in an inch or two of compost.
Plant seeds Apr 1 – May 27, ½ inch deep, 10 inches apart.
Keep the soil evenly moist until sprouts appear, which can take one to three weeks in cool soil.
Plant again Aug 6–20 for a fall harvest.
Harvest: Cut outer stalks at the base. One planting keeps producing from early summer into winter.

Leaf miners, the same as beets. Remove spotted leaves early.

Handles both cool spring weather and summer heat; harvest outer leaves for months.

When is the last frost in Aberdeen and Hoquiam, WA?

Typically March 30. In 9 years out of 10, frost is over by April 25. These are 1991–2020 NOAA climate normals for Hoquiam Bowerman Airport.

Is it too late to plant Swiss chard in Aberdeen and Hoquiam?

The spring planting window runs through May 27. If you miss it, plant again for fall from August 6 to August 20.

How long until I can harvest Swiss chard?

About 55 days after planting. Cut outer stalks at the base. One planting keeps producing from early summer into winter.