Swiss chard is a lesser-known vegetable, yet it’s quite fascinating. Rich in vitamins and highly versatile in the kitchen, this vegetable truly deserves your attention. Ready to learn how to successfully plant it in your garden? Follow the guide!
Why adopt Swiss chard in the garden?
You may know this vegetable by other names like chard, beet greens, or even jotte. Belonging to the Chenopodiaceae family, like beets, its scientific name is Beta vulgaris.
This biennial vegetable has generous leaves, usually green or red, accompanied by thick petioles commonly called stalks. By cultivating colorful varieties, you’ll add aesthetic value to your garden: from pure white to shades of yellow, orange, or even red.
The versatility of Swiss chard is such that it opens up a world of culinary opportunities. Both leaves and stalks are edible! So why hesitate? It’s time to adopt it in your garden.
Preparing the soil for planting Swiss chard
To successfully start growing Swiss chard, it’s crucial to pay special attention to the soil. No need to be a gardening expert; just follow a few simple tips.
Here’s what you should do:
- Loosen the soil to a depth of about 30 cm. An aerated soil provides better rooting conditions and stimulates plant growth.
- Generously incorporate compost or well-decomposed manure. This will make the soil rich and fertile, ready to promote the rapid growth of your future crops.
Spacing and planting: tips
Once your soil is ready, it’s time to plant. Keep in mind that spacing plays an important role in the vitality of your Swiss chard. Plant them spaced 30 to 40 cm apart in rows about 50 cm apart. This small detail makes all the difference: your chard will have better air circulation, grow more easily, and be easier to maintain.
A thorough initial watering will promote root establishment after planting. To boost your results even further, consider applying effective mulching. This technique helps retain moisture in the soil while making it harder for weeds to take hold.
When to sow Swiss chard?
You might be wondering when the best time is to sow this vegetable. It mainly depends on when you want to harvest:
- For a summer harvest? Sow directly in the ground starting in April, after the last frosts.
- For an autumn or winter harvest? It’s better to sow between June and July.
In regions with a mild climate, you can even plan multiple successive plantings from March to August. This way, you’ll extend your harvests over a longer period for your enjoyment!
Always choose a sunny or lightly shaded area with fertile, well-drained soil. Your Swiss chard will thrive rapidly in those conditions.
Caring for your Swiss chard: a piece of cake
Good news: growing Swiss chard requires little maintenance. Your efforts will be rewarded quickly, as long as you adhere to a few good practices:
- Ensure regular watering. The soil should remain slightly damp without becoming muddy or waterlogged. Pay special attention to soil moisture during hot weather.
- Provide your plants with monthly organic fertilization. This addition ensures dense, abundant foliage and a generous harvest.
Harvesting smart: what to do?
Your Swiss chard harvest will begin about two months after sowing. Simply pick the outer leaves by cutting them at the base. This simple method encourages the appearance of new leaves at the center of the plant, allowing for continuous harvest throughout the season.
In the kitchen, know that everything is easily edible: the leaves can be used like spinach, while the stalks are delicious in vegetable stir-fries or traditional savory dishes. It’s up to you to explore the culinary possibilities offered by this tasty vegetable!
Have you ever planted Swiss chard in your garden? How did your experience go? Share your personal tips with us in the comments; we’d love to discuss this fascinating topic. Feel free to ask your questions, our community will be happy to respond!
