Swiss chard is a vegetable packed with nutrients that loves to absorb water like a sponge. But how much water does it really need? Read on to find out and to get some fun tips about growing this succulent vegetable in your own garden!
How Much Water Does Swiss Chard Need?
Swiss chard does need plenty of water – as it grows, it will absorb and retain moisture – and especially when it’s hot and dry outside. But don’t overdo it, as plants can easily become water-logged and root rot can occur if there’s too much water in the soil. A good indicator of when to water is when the soil starts to look dry or when the first few inches of soil below the surface feel dry to the touch.
Watering Tips
- Water the soil, not the leaves. Wet the soil right around the Swiss chard plant, not just the leaves. Sprinkling water on the leaves can encourage the spread of disease.
- Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses. These are great for getting water right to the roots of your plants without getting the leaves wet.
- Make your own water-rich environment. One great way to do this is by using a method called ‘mulching’. Place a layer of organic material like straw or leaves at the base of your Swiss chard plant. This will help keep soil moisture in during the hot summer months, and will stop weeds too!
- Be careful not to over-water your Swiss chard. Insufficient water will cause the plant to become stressed and unable to take up nutrients. On the other hand, too much water will drown the roots and can cause root rot. A good way to determine if there’s too much water is to leave the garden hose running over the soil, for about 15-20 minutes. If water runoff occurs, you’re over-watering your Swiss chard.
In conclusion, Swiss chard will need adequate amounts of water and attention to be a productive and healthy crop. With a bit of creativity and some attention to detail, you can get the right balance of sunshine and water for your succulent Swiss chard to thrive! At the same time, you can be sure to have some fun with your garden – after all, you’re in Switzerland!
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