Have you ever wondered how Swiss Chard grows? Well — the answer is easier than you think. Swiss Chard is an interesting and incredibly versatile vegetable that not only has great nutritional value but can also make your garden look quite interesting. Its vibrant and evolving colors make it a show stopping beauty in any garden. But how exactly does it grow and what are the best practices to ensure its success? Let’s take a deeper look so you can start growing your own Swiss Chard today!
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Choosing Your Swiss Chard
Before we dive into the growing process itself, let’s take a look at the seeds and the variety of Swiss Chard you can purchase. There are several varieties that can suite a wide range of gardeners:
Green/White Stalked
The most common form of Swiss Chard is the green/white stalked variety. The leaves are a dark green and the center rib is usually a few shades lighter. This is the variety most likely found in grocery stores.
Red Stalked
Red stalked Swiss Chard (also known as “Rhubarby Chard”) has a bright red mid-rib and a deep green leaf. This variety is particularly showy and with the right amount of sun exposure, will yield vibrant red stalks that will stand out in your garden.
Rainbow Chard
These are a mix between green and red stalked varieties. You can achieve this by either planting both types of seeds in the same place or planting one seed and allowing it to cross-pollinate with the other variety. Whichever way you choose, you’ll achieve a beautiful rainbow of colours that are sure to add some serious style points to your garden.
Starting Your Swiss Chard
Now that you’ve chosen your Swiss Chard variety, it’s time to start growing! Chard can be started in either the Spring or Autumn months. You’ll need to pick a location that gets at least 4-6 hours of sun per day and has well draining soil.
Start your Chard by either direct sowing or transplanting. Direct sowing is a little easier, as you can plant the seeds directly into the soil and you’ll have some sprouts in no time. If you’re transplanting, it’s best to do it in the cooler parts of the day (e.g late afternoon) so your seedlings don’t suffer from the heat.
Caring For Your Swiss Chard
Once your Chard is in the ground, it’s time to show it some TLC so it can (hopefully) start yielding some delicious and nutrient-dense greens.
- Water: Chard likes to stay consistently moist, but be careful not to overwater it. This is particularly important when planting in the summer months.
Fertilization: If you’re growing Chard in the same patch of soil more than once a year, it’s a good idea to supplement the soil with a liquid seaweed fertilizer throughout the season. This will help to keep your soil rich, whilst ensuring your plants stay healthy and hearty.
Harvesting: Swiss Chard is a forgiving and relatively low-maintenance vegetable, but it’s important to know when to harvest. The best time to harvest is in the early morning – making sure the leaves are still slightly damp from the dew – and then storing in a cool place out of direct sun.
Grow your own Swiss Chard today and start making the nutrient-rich greens part of your daily diet. With the right preparation and care, your Swiss Chard will grow in abundance, making your garden look beautiful and keeping your body fueled and energized. There’s nothing better than growing your own food and with Swiss Chard, everyone can come out a winner!
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