The secret to growing Swiss chard is deciding when optimum planting time is. Whether growing Swiss chard indoors or outdoors, the timing of planting is essential. Knowing when to plant Swiss chard is not complicated at all – if you know the climate in your location, you should not have any trouble getting the crop ready for harvest.
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When is the Best Time to Plant Swiss Chard?
For those of you who live in climates with frosty winters and mild to hot summers, you will want to plan your planting during the months of April to June. The key is to allow the chard 70-80 days from planting to harvest. With this in mind, it is important to work backwards and figure out the last frost date for your area and adjust your planting date accordingly.
Swiss chard is a cold-weather tolerant vegetable and can be planted as early as a few weeks before the last expected frost in some areas. As long as you are prepared for potentially a late freeze, you can also plant Swiss chard as early as 3-4 weeks prior to the last frost date.
Outdoor Planting
Having the basics of your local climate, it’s time to get to work. Start by preparing your soil with a good organic fertilizer or compost. This will help to provide your Swiss chard with the nutrients it needs to thrive. After tilling the soil, rake the area to make sure you have a level surface. Now you are ready to plant.
It is best to use transplants for outdoor planting of Swiss chard since the seedlings react better to transplanting and don’t spend as much time as seeds adjusting to new environmental conditions. If you use transplants, ensure that they are carefully hardened off before planting to minimize transplant shock.
Growing Swiss Chard Indoors
If you live in an area with a short growing season, there is an alternative – grow your chard indoors. This is the perfect answer if you’ve already missed the spring planting window. Growing Swiss chard indoors is a great way to enjoy fresh greens all year round.
To successful grow Swiss chard indoors, start with a large container, such as a deep planter box or raised bed. Fill the box with a soil-less mix soil and plant the chard seeds at about ¼ – ½” deep. Plant the Swiss chard in staggered rows for ease of harvesting. Place the planter box near a window or use a grow light if necessary. Water the soil regularly and keep the soil moist. Once the seed begins to mature, thin out the weaker plants and give the stronger seedlings the space they need to grow.
Harvesting Swiss Chard
Harvesting Swiss chard can occur after 4-6 weeks, once the leaves have grown a bit making sure they are not too thick. Harvesting can be done all season long and should be done in the early morning while temperatures are still cool and before the sun has had a chance to evaporate the plant’s moisture.
Simply use a sharp knife and cut the leaf tips, avoiding cutting the main stems. Harvesting Swiss chard in this manner encourages the plant to produce new growth instead of sending its energy toward flowering and developing seed.
Swiss chard is an incredibly versatile vegetable that can be cooked in many different ways - steamed, boiled, stir-fried, you name it. With its nutty, sweet taste, it is sure to become a favourite amongst the home gardeners and vegetable lovers alike. Whether you choose to plant Swiss chard outdoors or indoors, with a bit of care and patience you can enjoy chard fresh from your garden all season long. So get your seeds ready and don’t forget to mark the optimal planting time on your calendars!