Swiss chard is amazing-it’s not just an amazing choice for a delicious salad, but it also helps improve your health by supplying you with some pretty amazing nutrients.
And, the good news is that you can grow your own organic Swiss chard, no matter if you live in an apartment or a house, in pots.
Milder in flavor than kale and spinach, it’s always a smart idea adding it to your diet. It makes an awesome and nutritious addition to your smoothies and juices, as well as in stir-fries, sautéed foods, and more.
When you plant it in containers, it will provide fresh supply for months.
Come on, let’s check out how to easily plant and grow Swiss chard in your home.
How to Grow Swiss Chard in Containers
This cool-season crop will grow optimally in spring and autumn. Although it can sustain higher temperatures as well, its growth tends to slow down in summer.
Hence, plant your seeds indoors 2 to 3 weeks prior to the last spring frost date. If you want to harvest Swiss chard in fall, plant the seeds later in summer. You can continuously do this until 40 to 45 days prior to the first predicted date for frost.
Those living in hotter climates should grow it in late fall, winter, and early spring.
If you want to have ongoing harvesting, do successive planting and sow seeds every 2 weeks through the whole growing season.
What Type of Container Is Best for Swiss Chard?
Go with a small to medium-sized pot that’s 8 inches deep and wide. Make sure it also has holes for draining on the bottom.
Plastic, clay, terracotta or concrete, all are an awesome pick.
You can grow 2 to 3 Swiss chards in this size of pot.
Where to Place the Swiss Chard?
Make sure you put it where it’s sunny or partially sunny. If you live in hotter climate, afternoon shade will also be beneficial.
If you keep it indoors, make sure it’s on a sunny windowsill or close to a window facing the south, without drapes.
What Is the Best Soil for Swiss Chard?
Quality soil mix enriched with organic matter is the best. If you can, add some compost to it as well.
The soil should be loamy, well draining, and with a neutral pH. Avoid using acidic soils!
How to Space Multiple Plants?
If you decide to grow several Swiss chards, set the 4 to 5 inches apart.
If you lack space, grow them closer. Also, do the cut-and-come-again method. This means trimming the older leaves on the outside to give space for the smaller leaves to grow.
When to Water the Plant?
Like all other veggies, this one will thrive with a nice and steady water supply. So, do it regularly and apply 1 to 1.5 inches of water on a weekly basis if the plant isn’t exposed to rain.
Should You Mulch it?
Swiss chard loves moist soil; however, maintaining the ideal moisture level can be challenging.
This is where mulching can help- add an inch layer of mulch around the plant’s base. You can use pine needles, straws, ground leaves, bark, etc.
The Best Part: Harvesting Your Swiss Chard
In most cases, harvesting is available some 8 weeks after the planting. This is the best option for raw salads.
If you intend to use it for cooking, wait for a few more weeks.
Trim individual leaves-the older and mature ones first.
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