How to Grow Chard
A Guide for Your Edible Home Garden
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Swiss chard is a highly nutritious and versatile vegetable, perfect for incorporating into your edible home garden. With its large, colorful leaves and stems, chard can also add an attractive element to your garden space. Fortunately, this leafy green is relatively easy to grow, thriving in both cool and warm weather conditions.
When looking to plant chard, there are three main types to consider. White-stemmed chards are typically the most productive, while colored varieties can add visual appeal to your garden. Perpetual chard varieties offer a spinach-like taste and can be harvested continually. The planting process involves seeds (how long do seeds last?) about a half inch deep in the soil in rows, with eight to ten seeds per foot and about 18 inches of space between rows.
As the chard plants grow, it's essential to thin them so that they are spaced four to six inches apart. Regular harvesting ensures that the leaves remain tender and flavorsome, and older leaves can be removed to encourage the growth of young ones. With the right care and attention, Swiss chard can be a delightful addition to your edible garden.
Chard Varieties
Swiss Chard
Swiss Chard is a popular leafy green vegetable, related to beet but without the globular edible root. It is a cool-season plant with brightly colored ribs that come in multiple varieties and colors, making it an attractive and nutritious addition to your home garden [^1^].
Fordhook Giant
Fordhook Giant is a variety of chard known for its broad, dark green leaves and thick, white stems. This plant is well-suited for various climates, including hot temperatures, and is recognized for its high productivity.
Bright Lights
Bright Lights chard is a vibrant variety, featuring a mix of different colored stems such as red, yellow, orange, and pink. The leaves are slightly crinkled, similar to those of Swiss chard, and this variety is not only visually appealing but also delicious and nutritious.
Lucullus
Lucullus chard is an heirloom variety that thrives in hot climates. It produces heavily crumpled leaves with broad white ribs that are crisp and crunchy amidst the light green foliage. This type is ideal for those seeking a heat-tolerant option for their garden.
Silverbeet
Silverbeet, also known as perpetual spinach, is a variety of chard with thin, white stems and dark green, slightly curled leaves. It has a spinach-like taste, making it an excellent option for those who prefer a milder flavor.
Orange Fantasia
Orange Fantasia chard stands out with its bright orange stems and dark green, wrinkled leaves. This variety not only adds a pop of color to your garden but also provides a unique flavor profile. It's an excellent choice for those looking to diversify their chard varieties.
In conclusion, selecting the right chard variety for your garden depends on your climate, taste preferences, and aesthetic considerations. Each of these varieties offers unique characteristics, making them suitable for a wide range of gardening enthusiasts.
Planting Chard
Starting Seeds
To start your chard seeds, sow seeds in each cell of a seed tray or small peat pots, about 2 to 3 seeds each. Cover them lightly with 1/4-inch plant mix, and tap it into place. Gently water the seeds, making sure they are not exposed above the soil. Keep the grow light close to the soil surface to ensure hardy stem growth as the seeds germinate. Make sure the soil is damp but not soggy1.
Transplanting Seedlings
Once the seedlings have grown a couple of inches tall and have developed their first set of true leaves2 by sowing seeds, they are ready to be transplanted into the garden or containers. Choose a location with well-draining soil in partial shade or full sun. Before transplanting seedlings, be sure to thin seedlings and harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a period of 7-10 days.
Plant Spacing
Proper plant spacing will allow the chard plants to spread and grow healthily. After the seedlings emerge, thin them to the desired planting distance3. Ideally, chard plants should be spaced four to six inches apart, allowing enough room for optimal growth4.
Row Spacing
When planting chard in rows, maintain a row spacing of 30 to 40 centimeters5. This will help prevent overcrowding and promote proper air circulation around the plants, reducing the chances of disease.
Growing in Containers
Swiss chard can be successfully grown in containers6. An 8-inch deep pot is suitable for chard growth. Plant 2 or 3 plants per container, or set the chard in larger containers using wide rows on 8-inch centers. Ensure the container has drainage holes to allow excess moisture to escape, preventing root rot. Harvest the older, outside leaves first, and allow young, tender leaves to continue growing.
Footnotes
Plantura ↩
Plantura ↩
Harvest to Table ↩
Chard Care
Soil Requirements
To successfully grow chard in your home garden, it is essential to provide the plant with the right soil conditions. Chard prefers well-draining, loamy soil rich in organic matter. Adding compost to the soil can help improve its structure and fertility. The ideal soil pH for chard ranges between 6.0 and 7.0, which ensures that essential nutrients are readily available for the plant to absorb.
Watering Needs
Chard has moderate water requirements and needs consistent moisture to thrive. When watering your chard plants, it is crucial to focus on keeping the soil evenly moist, allowing the top inch of soil to dry slightly before the next watering. Over-watering or under-watering can both negatively impact the growth and quality of the chard leaves.
Fertilization
Chard benefits from regular fertilization to provide essential nutrients for its growth. An all-purpose, balanced fertilizer can be applied every four to six weeks during the growing season, carefully following the recommended dosage and schedule on the packaging. Proper fertilization supports healthy foliage growth and prevents nutrient deficiencies in chard plants.
Mulching
Applying a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or bark chips, around the chard plants can help conserve soil moisture and regulate soil temperature. Mulch also aids in suppressing weed growth and gradually breaks down, enriching the soil with nutrients. A 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch is typically sufficient for chard plants.
Weed Control
Weed control is essential for maintaining a healthy chard garden, as weeds can compete with your plants for nutrients, water, and sunlight. Regular weeding around your chard plants, particularly during the early stages of growth, can help prevent weed issues. Mulching and maintaining proper plant spacing further assist in reducing the chance of weed problems.
Pest and Disease Management
Chard can be susceptible to a variety of pests, including aphids and slugs. Regularly inspecting your plants and employing natural pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects or using organic repellents, can help keep these pests in check. Additionally, adequate plant spacing and proper air circulation can reduce the risk of fungal diseases such as downy mildew or leaf spot. Practicing crop rotation and maintaining a clean garden can also contribute to a healthier chard garden and minimize disease incidents.
Harvesting and Storing Chard
When to Harvest
Swiss chard leaves can be harvested when they are tender and big enough to eat. Generally, chard is ready for picking 30 days after sowing if you want baby leaves. For full-sized leaves with a thick midrib, harvest chard 45 to 60 days after sowing 1.
Harvesting Techniques
The most common method for harvesting chard is to cut off the outer leaves 1½ to 2 inches above the ground while they are young and tender, about 8 to 12 inches long 2. Be careful not to damage the terminal bud. Older leaves can be stripped off the plants and discarded, allowing the young plants leaves to continue growing.
When harvesting, use a sharp knife to ensure a clean cut and to avoid damaging the plant. Additionally, avoid harvesting more than one-third of the plant at a time, as this may affect future growth.
Storing Chard
After harvesting, freschard can be stored for a short period of time. To store the leaves, first remove any dirt from them, but do not wash them. Washing the leaves can introduce moisture, making them prone to rot 1. Instead, store them unwashed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. They can generally be kept for up to one week.
For longer storage, Swiss chard leaves can be blanched and then frozen. Briefly soak the leaves in boiling water for about two minutes before transferring them to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain the leaves and pat them dry with a clean towel. Place the leaves in freezer-safe bags or containers, and store them in the freezer for up to one year.
Footnotes
https://harvesttotable.com/harvest-store-swiss-chard/ ↩ ↩2
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/swiss-chard/harvesting-swiss-chard-plants.htm ↩
Nutritional Benefits
Chard is a leafy green vegetable that packs a punch when it comes to its nutritional offerings. It's a versatile staple for any edible home garden, providing a colorful way to incorporate healthful benefits into everyday meals.
Vitamins and Minerals
Chard is an impressive source of essential vitamins and minerals. It is particularly high in vitamins A and C, which play vital roles in maintaining healthy skin, vision, and immune system function. In addition, chard is also rich in vitamin K, which contributes to proper blood clotting and bone health. Other important minerals found in chard include calcium, potassium, and magnesium - all essential for good health.
Antioxidants
The vibrant colors of chard leaves are not just appealing to the eye, but they also indicate the presence of various antioxidants. These phytonutrients help protect cells from oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body. By incorporating chard into your diet, you're providing your body with a natural means to combat and prevent various illnesses and chronic diseases.
Dietary Fiber
Fiber is an essential component of a well-rounded diet, and chard is an excellent source of dietary fiber. Consuming foods rich in fiber helps support a healthy digestive system, maintain stable blood sugar levels, and promote a feeling of fullness, making it useful for weight management. Including chard in your edible home garden ensures you'll have a steady supply of this nutritious, fiber-rich vegetable to enjoy throughout the year.
Culinary Uses
Swiss chard is a versatile leafy green that can be used in a variety of dishes. Its slightly bitter taste and tender texture make it an excellent addition to salads, soups, casseroles, stir-fry dishes, and more. In this section, we will explore how to use chard to create delicious, healthy meals.
Chard in Salads
Chard can be used in salads either raw or cooked, depending on personal preference. Mixing chard with other greens, such as lettuce, spinach (What wine goes well with spinach?), and kale, (What wine goes well with kale?) adds an interesting flavor and texture to your salad. Baby greens are especially tender and can be used as a substitute for lettuce. When using raw chard, it is important to remove the thick stems as they can be tough and fibrous.
Chard in Soups
The slightly bitter taste of chard adds a depth of flavor to soups, making it an excellent ingredient to use in comfort foods. Adding chard to soups in the last few minutes of cooking ensures that the leaves remain tender. When using chard in soups, be sure to cut the stems into thin, small pieces, as they take longer to cook than the leaves.
Chard in Casseroles
Chard lends itself well to incorporating in casseroles, providing both flavor and a tender texture. The leaves and stems can be sautéed and mixed with other vegetables, grains, and proteins to create a satisfying meal. When preparing chard for casseroles, it is important to remove the thick stems to ensure a more uniform cooking time and texture.
Chard in Stir-Fry Dishes
Adding fresh chard to stir-fry dishes provides a burst of color and a pleasing contrast of textures. Chard can be sautéed with other vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and garlic, and served over rice or noodles. Be sure to add the chard towards the end of cooking time to preserve its tender texture and vibrant color.
Chard in Other Dishes
Swiss chard is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a multitude of other dishes. It can be steamed, sautéed, or baked, and incorporated into quiches, omelettes, or even pizza toppings. (What wine goes well with pizza toppings?) The combination of chard's slightly bitter taste with other flavors and textures allows for endless culinary possibilities.
Comparing Chard to Other Leafy Greens
Chard vs Spinach
Swiss chard and spinach are both nutritious leafy greens, belonging to the Beta vulgaris and Amaranth (how long does amaranth last?) families, respectively. Both plants prefer well-drained soil and can tolerate shade. They contain similar amounts of vitamins and minerals, but chard has a slightly stronger and earthier taste than spinach. When it comes to planting, spinach prefers cooler temperatures and can bolt in hot weather, while chard is more heat-tolerant.
Chard vs Kale
Kale, a member of the Brassica family, is known for its curly leaves and strong, slightly bitter taste. Like chard, kale prefers well-drained soil but can grow better in colder temperatures. Both vegetables are rich in nutrients; however, kale generally has higher levels of vitamins A, C, and K. While chard can be picked throughout the growing season, kale's flavor is said to improve after frost.
Chard vs Lettuce
Lettuce, part of the Asteraceae family, comes in various forms, such as leaf, butterhead, and romaine lettuce. Despite their different appearances, lettuce and chard have similar growing conditions and both appreciate well-drained soil. Though lettuce is often used raw in salads, chard is more versatile, as it can be eaten raw or cooked. In terms of nutrition, chard contains more vitamins and minerals than lettuce.
Chard vs Mustard
Mustard greens, from the Brassica family, are known for their spicy and peppery taste, setting them apart from the milder Swiss chard. Both plants require well-drained soil, but mustard greens can tolerate a wider range of temperatures. Mustard greens are higher in vitamin A than chard, and both are sources of vitamin C, K, and various minerals.
Chard vs Beet Greens
Chard and beet greens, both belonging to the Beta vulgaris family, share similar taste profiles and growing conditions. They prefer well-drained soil and can tolerate some amount of shade. While chard is harvested only for its leaves, beet greens are often an underutilized byproduct of growing beets (how long do beets last?) for their roots. In terms of nutrition, chard and beet greens are quite comparable, with both being rich sources of vitamins and minerals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal spacing for Swiss chard plants?
Swiss chard seeds should be planted approximately ½ inch deep, with eight to ten seeds per foot in rows. After germination, when the plants are a couple of inches tall, it is essential to thin them out, leaving around 4 to 6 inches of space between each plant. Maintain approximately 18 inches of space between rows to promote healthy growth and sufficient airflow. 1
What are the common problems faced while growing Swiss chard?
Swiss chard might experience issues like pests (leafminers, aphids, and slugs) or diseases (Cercospora leaf spot and downy mildew). Proper care, such as consistent watering, monitoring for signs of pests and diseases, and implementing organic or chemical controls when necessary, can help keep Swiss chard healthy and thriving. 2
What are the water requirements for Swiss chard?
Swiss chard requires a consistent supply of water to promote steady growth. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and prevent weeds. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other problems. 3
When should Swiss chard be planted in different zones?
Swiss chard can be sown after soils reach 40°F. The seeds germinate best at 55-75°F and require 7-14 days to emerge. Generally, it is recommended to plant Swiss chard in early spring, as it can tolerate minor frost. However, for those living in warmer climates, planting in late summer or early fall may also yield a harvest. 4
How long does it take for Swiss chard to grow?
Swiss chard can mature within 50-60 days from planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. However, it is a versatile plant that can be harvested earlier as baby leaves or left to grow for a more extended period for larger leaves and stalks. 5
Does Swiss chard prefer sunlight or shade?
Swiss chard grows best in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. Ideally, it should receive at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Planting it in a sunny location can encourage more vigorous growth and more flavorful leaves. 3
Footnotes
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/swiss-chard/how-to-grow-swiss-chard.htm ↩
https://www.installitdirect.com/learn/how-to-grow-chard/ ↩ ↩2
https://extension.usu.edu/yardandgarden/research/swiss-chard-in-the-garden ↩
