How To Grow Chard

Written by Lars Nyman on

September 30, 2024

Growing Chard

Chard is a variety of beet native to the Mediterranean region. It is an important cooking green in many parts of the world and is widely used in Italian, French, and German cuisine. It has a mildly sweet, earthy flavor and is usually cooked down to develop its characteristic savory and bitter flavors. The leaves are large, dark green, and succulent, while the stems are crunchy and bright white. It is highly nutritious, containing many vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber and protein.

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A Cheatsheet for Growing Chard

Choose a Spot

🌞 Find a sunny location with well-draining soil.

Sow the Seeds

🌱 Plant chard seeds 1/2 inch deep, 12 inches apart.

Water Consistently

💧 Keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering.

Fertilize Regularly

🌿 Feed with organic compost every 4-6 weeks.

Harvest Continuously

🔪 Cut outside leaves when they reach 6-8 inches long.

Use Nutritious Leaves

🥗 Chard is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, plus iron and fiber.

Prolong the Harvest

⏳ Remove flowers to prevent bolting and extend the season.

Enjoy Chard's Versatility

🍽️ Cook it, add to salads, or use as a wrap substitute.

Achieve Self-Sufficiency

🌱 Growing chard reduces grocery bills and promotes sustainability.

Growing Chard

One of my all-time favorite leafy greens to cultivate is chard. It’s vibrant, nutritious, and surprisingly easy to grow.

Choosing the Right Variety

There are several varieties to choose from, such as Swiss Chard and Rainbow Chard. Rainbow Chard, with its colorful stems, can double as an ornamental plant.

I've found that variety selection often depends on your aesthetic preference as much as your culinary needs.

Planting Chard

When to Plant

Chard is a cool-season crop. I usually plant seeds in early spring, about two weeks before the last frost date.

You can also plant in late summer for a fall harvest.

Where to Plant

Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Chard loves sunlight but tolerates partial shade.

Once, I planted chard in a shady area, and while it grew, it wasn't as prolific.

How to Plant

  1. Sow seeds about 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart.
  2. Rows should be spaced 12-18 inches apart.
  3. Thin seedlings to 6-12 inches apart once they are a few inches tall.

Care and Maintenance

Watering

Chard requires consistent moisture. Water deeply but avoid waterlogging the soil.

Inconsistent watering can lead to bitter leaves, and trust me, no one enjoys that.

Fertilizing

Chard is a heavy feeder. I typically enrich the soil with compost before planting.

During the growing season, a balanced fertilizer can be applied every 4-6 weeks.

Pest and Disease Management

Aphids and leaf miners are common pests. I use neem oil as a natural remedy.

Keep an eye out for powdery mildew; proper spacing helps in reducing its occurrence.

Consistent monitoring is key to maintaining healthy chard plants.

Harvesting Chard

Chard can be harvested as soon as it's big enough to eat. This is usually in 4-6 weeks.

Harvest outer leaves first, allowing the center to continue growing.

I love this method because it prolongs the harvest season, giving me fresh leaves for months.

Storing Chard

Chard is best used fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Another trick I've found useful is blanching and freezing chard, making it last longer.

Final Tips

Rotate crops to avoid soil depletion; chard can grow in the same spot every other year.

Mulching helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Experiment with different recipes. Stir-fries and salads are my go-tos for freshly harvested chard.

Growing chard is incredibly rewarding. It's resilient, visually stunning, and packed with nutrients. Give it a try and watch your garden flourish.

FAQ

1. When should I plant chard?

Start growing chard in early spring or late summer.

2. How much sunlight does chard need?

Chard thrives with full sun or partial shade.

3. What type of soil is suitable for chard?

Well-draining soil enriched with compost is ideal for growing chard.

4. How often should I water chard plants?

Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soaked.

5. Can chard tolerate frost?

Yes, chard handles mild frost well, making it suitable for cool weather.

6. How long does it take for chard to mature?

Chard typically matures in 45-60 days after planting.

7. Do I need to fertilize chard?

Yes, apply a balanced organic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.

8. Can chard be grown in containers?

Absolutely! Chard is a great container-friendly vegetable.

9. Should I harvest the entire chard plant or just the leaves?

You can harvest individual leaves or harvest the whole plant at once.

10. How do I store harvested chard?

Keep chard leaves in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Chard is a great vegetable to add to any garden or meal! Chard is a great source of essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin K, vitamin A, and magnesium, as well as being a good source of dietary fiber. It also has a mild flavor and pleasant texture, making it a versatile vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes both raw and cooked. Chard makes a fantastic addition to salads, stir-fries, soups, pastas, and much more.

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