How to Grow Swiss Chard: A Complete Guide

Swiss chard is a nutritious and delicious leafy green that is easy to grow in your own garden. In this blog, we will cover all the steps from seed to harvest to help you grow your own bountiful harvest of Swiss chard.

Step 1: Planting Swiss Chard

You can plant Swiss chard directly into your ground or raised beds without the need to grow seedlings indoors. Simply sow the seeds about half an inch deep and cover with soil. Swiss chard germinates quickly in five to seven days.

Step 2: Soil and Fertilization

Swiss chard prefers well-amended soil with compost and a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. However, it will grow in any kind of soil. As a fertilizer, add compost into the soil to increase drainage and add organic matter to the soil.

Step 3: Sun and Watering

Swiss chard can grow in full sun or partial shade. If you are growing Swiss chard during the summer, it is best to grow it in the shade. Watering is easy, just keep the soil moist but do not overwater or let the Swiss chard dry out.

Step 4: Harvesting Swiss Chard

After three weeks, Swiss chard has about eight to ten leaves and is about eight to ten inches tall. You can start harvesting leaves or Swiss chard at this point, taking outer perimeter leaves and leaving about four to five leaves in the middle. After four months, Swiss chard is over two feet tall and can still be harvested.

Step 5: Pests and Diseases

Swiss chard is a relatively pest-resistant crop, but cabbage worms can affect it in the summer. To combat cabbage worms, use BT spray.

Step 6: Saving Swiss Chard Seeds

At the end of the season, let your Swiss chard bolt and go to seed. You can cut these seeds to plant next year.

In conclusion

Swiss chard is a fast-growing and easy-to-grow crop that can be enjoyed all throughout the growing season. With this complete guide, you can grow your own bountiful harvest of Swiss chard and enjoy its nutritious and delicious leaves. Happy gardening!