How to Sow and Grow Chard

Chard is a vibrant, nutrient-rich green with colourful stalks and a mild, earthy flavour. This versatile leafy vegetable is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like magnesium and potassium, making it a fantastic addition to your garden and diet. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to grow! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, here’s a step-by-step guide to sowing and growing chard for a bountiful harvest.

 Swiss Chard Fordhook Giant

Choosing a Variety

We have a few different varieties of chard. Our most popular, and one you’ll likely recognise from our logo is our Peppermint Swiss Chard. We also have a beautiful Sunset Swiss Chard and Fordhook Giant Chard that can get gargantuan!

When to Plant Chard

Chard is a cool-season crop that grows best in spring and autumn, though it’s more heat-tolerant than other greens like spinach. Here’s a general timeline:

• In Spring: Sow seeds directly in the garden two to three weeks before the last expected frost date.
• In Autumn: Plant chard 6-8 weeks before the first expected frost date, giving it time to establish before the weather cools.

Preparing the Soil

Chard thrives in rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Here’s how to get the soil ready:

• Clear the area of weeds, rocks, and other debris.
• Add organic matter, like compost or aged manure, to enrich the soil with nutrients.
• Loosen the soil to a depth between 30-40 cm to allow the roots to develop easily.
• Fertilise lightly with a balanced fertiliser if your soil is deficient, though chard is generally low-maintenance when it comes to soil nutrients.

 Swiss Chard Sunset

Sowing Chard Seeds

• Soak seeds in water for 24 hours before planting to speed up germination.
• Direct sow seeds about 2 cm deep, spacing them 4-8 cm apart in rows 40-50 cm apart.
• Water thoroughly after planting to help the seeds settle in the soil.
• Thin seedlings to one every 16-24 cm when they are 8-12 cm. Thin carefully, as overcrowding can lead to smaller plants and weaker growth.

Tip: If you want a continuous harvest, sow chard seeds every few weeks during the growing season.

Watering

Chard prefers consistent moisture, so keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Water at the base of the plants to keep the foliage dry, reducing the risk of disease. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture, especially in hotter months.

Mulching and Weeding

Mulching is especially beneficial for chard, as it:

• Helps retain soil moisture.
• Suppresses weeds.
• Regulates soil temperature.

Apply a 8-12 cm layer of mulch around the plants, using materials like straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings. Mulching reduces the need for frequent weeding, but be sure to remove any weeds that do pop up, as they can compete with chard for nutrients and water.

 Swiss Chard Peppermint

Harvesting Chard

Chard can be harvested as soon as the leaves reach a usable size, usually around 6-8 inches tall. Here are some key tips for harvesting:

• Cut outer leaves first and leave the central rosette intact. This allows the plant to continue producing leaves for several months.
• Harvest young leaves for the most tender, mild flavour. Older leaves tend to be tougher and more bitter.
• Use scissors or a sharp knife to cut leaves cleanly, reducing the risk of damaging the plant.

Once harvested, chard can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Rinse the leaves, wrap them in a damp paper towel, and place them in a plastic bag or airtight container. For longer storage, blanch the leaves and freeze them.

Chard is an easy-to-grow, colourful, and nutritious addition to any garden. With its resilience and productivity, it’s a rewarding crop for beginners and experienced gardeners alike. Just follow the steps above, and you’ll enjoy fresh, homegrown chard from your garden in no time. Happy growing!

Video – How to Sow and Grow Chard