Growing Swiss chard in containers is a great way to make your garden look lush and vibrant, while also providing you with a source of fresh produce. The tasty greens are versatile too, and can be eaten raw, cooked, or added to salads. Plus, it’s a forgiving crop and relatively easy to grow in container gardens. So, if you’re looking to grow Swiss chard and bring a bit of Swiss flavour to your garden, read on to learn all you need to know about planting and caring for this popular cool-season crop.
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Choose The Right Containers
Swiss chard needs deep, well-draining containers in order to accommodate its long taproot and sprawling stems. Look for containers that are at least 12 inches (30 cm) deep and at least 18 inches (45 cm) wide to give the crop plenty of room to establish a good root system. The bigger the pot, the more successful the harvest. A plastic or clay pot with a few drainage holes in the bottom is best. If you go with a plastic pot, make sure to drill additional drainage holes.
Location, Location, Location
Swiss chard needs a minimum of 6-8 hours of direct sun each day to grow its best. If the climate is cooler, you can get away with slightly less light. To ensure a productive season, choose a area of your garden that gets plenty of sunshine. A south-facing wall or balcony is often an excellent spot to place your container garden.
Soil Matters
When growing Swiss chard in containers, choose a soil that is nutrient-rich, well-draining, and lightly acidic, with a pH of 6.5 to 7. A soilless potting mix, such as a combination of peat, perlite, and compost, is a great choice for container gardens. Make sure the soil is mixed well and free of weeds and stones.
Planting Swiss Chard in Containers
When sowing your Swiss chard seeds, plant them ¼ inch (0.6 cm) deep and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart. To get the most out of a container, plant several seeds in one location and thin out the weaker plants in each cluster to leave just 1-2 plants. The ideal soil temperature to encourage germination is between 50-75°F (10-24°C).
Watering and Fertilizing
Make sure your Swiss chard plants don’t dry out during their growing stage. Stick your finger in the soil and water when it feels dry about 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) below the surface. Consider supplementing your watering with a liquid seaweed fertilizer every 2-3 weeks, diluted to half-strength.
Harvesting
Your Swiss chard will reach maturity in 45-60 days, depending on the variety you grow. When harvesting your Swiss chard, cut the outer leaves from the stalk using sharp garden scissors and leave the center of the plant in the soil, so it can continue to grow.
Swiss chard is a great vegetable to grow in containers due to its hardy nature and quick-growing habit. To have a successful harvest, make sure you choose the right containers, location, soil, and fertilizing regime. Finally, don’t forget to harvest regularly. By following these simple tips, you’ll be enjoying Swiss chard in no time!
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