Crop Rotation Group
Chenopodiaceae (Beet family)
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Soil
Rich, well drained soil that holds moisture well.
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Position
Sun or partial afternoon shade.
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Frost tolerant
Yes. With mulch, plants are hardy to about 20°F.
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Feeding
Not usually required is a mulch is used to keep soil moist.
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Companions
-
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Spacing
Single Plants: 1' 1" (35cm) each way (minimum)
Rows: 11" (30cm) with 1' 3" (40cm) row gap (minimum)
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Sow and Plant
Sow direct into the ground in mid spring, and again in late summer for a fall crop. Sow seeds 4 inches apart, and thin to proper spacing. Can be started indoors if the roots are not disturbed as seedlings are transplanted.
Our Garden Planning Tool can produce a personalized calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.
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Notes
Swiss chard is so beautiful that it should be grown where it is easily seen. A great vegetable for edible ornamental beds.
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Harvesting
Twist leaves from the outside of the plant regularly from mid summer onwards. Plants regrow when cut back to 3 inches.
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Troubleshooting
Cutworms can girdle seedlings, so be watchful when growing chard in spots recently vacated by grass.
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