Are you looking for the answer to the age-old conundrum of when to plant Swiss Chard? You’ve come to the right place! Planting Swiss Chard is a great way to add a burst of flavor to your salads and other dishes. Here’s what you need to know about when and where to plant Swiss Chard.
Swiss Chard is a hardy, cool-season vegetable, and best planted in early spring, around two weeks before the final frost date. If the soil is still cold, wait a couple of extra days to make sure the ground has time to warm. Swiss Chard can also be planted in late summer or early fall for a late season harvest.
The best location to plant Swiss Chard is in full sunlight where it can receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sun throughout the day. If space is limited, it can also be successfully grown in partial shade, but you may lose some of the flavor that comes from strong sunlight.
Before planting, prepare the soil by loosening it with a garden rake. An application of a 1-2 inch layer of compost mixed in with the soil will also help the soil hold moisture and provide necessary nutrients. When you plant Swiss Chard, make sure the seeds are just barely covered with soil – about 1/8 inch – and lightly press the soil down to help keep moisture from evaporating.
Water the plants regularly throughout their growth period to keep the soil moist, and watch out for hungry slugs! If you want to have multiple harvests of Swiss Chard, consider sowing more seeds every two weeks.
Whether you’re planting in early spring or late summer, you will be rewarded with delicious, nutrient-packed Swiss Chard. Once you’ve harvested your lettuce, you can enjoy it fresh from the garden or store it in the refrigerator for up to 7 days and still experience a flavorful, farm-fresh taste!
Gardening is fun, and you can keep the fun going by trying different fruits and vegetables. Who knows – maybe you’ll even create a Swiss-themed garden full of other delicious Swiss foods like raclette, muesli, and apfelstrudel!
Whatever you choose to do, always remember to water regularly and to be patient – nothing good comes from rushing things. Happy planting!