How to Grow Swiss Chard

Swiss chard (aka. silverbeet, spinach beet, chard), is a close relative of beets. Unlike lettuce, chard keeps growing and growing... it thrives throughout the hot days of summer and then grows into fall, even beyond winter. Chard is easy to grow.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Chard seeds
• Gardening tools
• Gloves
• Water
• Soil

1. Chard thrive well on any soil where lettuce and spinach will grow. Once the soil can be worked on after frost (April - May), plant the seeds directly in the ground, 1/2 to 1 inch deep. Space the seeds 4 to 6 inches apart. Water frequently.

2. Like other leafy vegetables, chard leaves are easily attacked by pests. Remove and destroy affected leaves at once so the problem does not spread.

3. 
   Chard

   Chard grow 1-1/2 to 2 feet tall with crinkled leaves that have prominent central ribs. Pick the leaves while they are young and tender. Remove the outer leaves without first. Cut or pull the leaves at the base of the plant by pulling downwards and twisting them off. Leave the inner leaves to grow to harvest on a later date.
   
   Discard any old leaves. They will decrease production if left on the plant.

Tips & Warnings

• You can freeze Swiss chard in the freezer and save them for use in winter months. Use or cook frozen chard like you would for spinach recipe.
• Young leaves are a good for salads. Older leaves can be cooked like spinach and is delicious.
• Chard is full of Vitamins A and C.
• Established plants with large leaves can cast area shade to slow the growth of weeds in your garden.

Resources

• Planting and Growing Swiss Chard
• All You Need to Know About Growing Swiss Chard

[Wasatch]

on 3/10/2009 I just planted swiss chard.

[Mindee94]

on 3/10/2009 One of my favorites for sure.... Steamed in the microwave for a tasty treat. Have to freeze some this season to carry me through the winter, never thought of it. Thanks for this great information and ideas.