Swiss chard or Rainbow chard (Swiss chard with color) is one of our family’s favorite vegetables. It’s so easy to grow, requires little maintenance and can thrive in a pot or in the ground. Its beautiful colors add charm and visual appeal to your garden which no eyes can resist. When we cook it for guests it’s always a big hit! Nothing beats fresh Swiss chard from the farmers’ market or enjoyed from your own garden.
1. Planting:
- Purchase starter Swiss chard at a nursery and plant in the spring or in warmer climates like southern California, I’ve grown it through fall and winter with other leafy greens.
- In March and April, you may find it sold at the Farmers’ markets as starter kits.
- You can also start seedlings indoors a few weeks before the last frost is anticipated.
2. Caring:
- Use rich soil
- In the spring and fall it typically doesn’t require daily watering. In the heat, be sure to water daily.
3. Prevent Pests with Plant Companions:
- Marigolds can help prevent soil borne pests
- Chives can help prevent aphids (plant lice). We grow regular chives and garlic chives near our Swiss chard.
- Some gardeners recommend planting onions near Swiss chard.
- When gardening, check for caterpillars or bugs and remove them from leaves by hands.
4. Harvest:
- When leaves are fully grown, cut stems at the base of the plant so that new leaves can grow back quickly.
- Weather permitting, you may be eating from the same plant from spring to late fall.
5. Cook it:
- See my Swiss chard recipe
