Swiss chard
A colourful and hardy leafy green, great for continuous harvests. Both leaves and stems are edible and highly nutritious. Looks ornamental in the garden.
Swiss chard seeds
£1.99 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
April – July, direct sow 2.5cm (1") deep
Plant out
Thin seedlings to 20-30cm (8-12") apart
Harvest
June – November (can overwinter in mild areas), from 8-12 weeks after sowing
Conditions
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells
Soil
Rich, well-drained, moisture-retentive, pH 6.0–7.0
Spacing
20-30cm (8-12") between plants; 45cm (18") between rows
Containers
Excellent in large pots or raised beds
Indoors
Not typically grown indoors, but can be started under glass
Care and harvest
Feeding
Liquid feed every 2-3 weeks during peak growing season if soil isn't rich
Pruning
Remove any yellow or damaged outer leaves
Harvesting
Cut outer leaves 2.5cm (1") above ground level, allowing inner leaves to regrow. Harvest regularly.
Storage
Wash, dry, and store in an airtight bag in the fridge for up to a week
Good companions: Beans, Brassicas, Mint