I don’t know about you, but I am planting a boatload of Swiss chard seeds this spring. I started 1 packet of seed under my grow lights this morning, but I think I’ll wait until early spring to plant the rest of them outside. It’s great in stir-fry, but most of all, my chickens love it. Plus, you can’t kill it, so if you are a new gardener, you may want to give Swiss chard a try.
Brief description: Swiss Chard is a hardy leafy green. It has a slightly bitter tasting stalk with milder tasting leaves. It will continue to produce from early spring to late fall.
Where to Plant Swiss Chard: Plant in containers, raised beds, or garden beds. It is ideal for smaller space gardening.
Planting Seeds: Plant 1/2″ deep. Thin to 1 per pot when plant reaches about 1″ tall–it’s best to thin with scissors rather than pull seedling out, as seeds often produce more than one plant per seed. When transplanting, space about 10″ apart.
Growing Tips: Slugs love swiss chard, so protect around your plants with crushed eggs shells, or the like.
How to Harvest: Harvest outer leaves if only harvesting a little at a time. You can harvest the whole plant, if desired, just leave 2 inches of the plant so it can regenerate. Chard is ready to harvest when it is about 10″ tall.
Are you ready to start your garden but you’re not sure when you should plant your seeds or set out your transplants? Head on over HERE and you’ll be taken to a handy dandy chart that is broken down into what vegetables should be planted {or transplanted} each month in your area.
Anyone can do this. Dirt + Seeds+ Water = Food!
~Mavis
Here are a few of my Favorite Swiss Chard recipes:
Rainbow Swiss Chard and Sweet Potato Au Gratin
Fun Fact: Swiss Chard provides more than 300% the daily value of Vitamin K–a great reason reason to choke it down enjoy it!
darlene says
Geesh, mine never died from last season! The leaves are already looking edible. The winter was pretty mild here in Oregon. Hope I can find some neighbors that want to eat it all summer again =)
Mavis says
Ha Ha Ha.
Sherle says
I have swiss chard coming up in my little greenhouse. They have been up only two days, but I’m so excited!! I have radishes coming up in a raised bed and garlic growing. I LOVE being able to garden. I am preparing an area for my peas tomorrow morning, which will be transplanted this week.
Angelia says
I have been growing “Bright Lights” Swiss Chard as an edible and ornamental plant for years. Other than chopped and sauteed w/ olive oil and almond slivers… I also make Lentil or White Bean Soup and add chopped chard,or kale when the beans are done. Favorite recipe originally used chicken livers, but I’ve replaced w/ oysters. Roll the oysters in a “ton” of rough cut spices(rosemary,thyme,tarragon,sage,dill,garlic,pepper,soy sauce,etc…)and a handful of cornmeal. Lightly pan fry, the herb coated oysters in olive oil. Toss in chopped chard or kale at the last second so it wilts, or serve oysters over fresh crunchy kale. Sprinkle grated parm cheese, and chopped walnuts on top before serving.
E. Redman says
How long does swiss chard seeds take to germinate?
Mavis Butterfield says
Not long at all You should see it pop through the soil in less than a week.