The chard is one of the oldest cultivated plants and was cultivated around 4,000 years ago. However, it has been forgotten in recent years and has been replaced by spinach. The vegetable is now experiencing a renaissance again and is valued not only for its appearance but also for its high vitamin content.
How do you grow chard successfully?
Chard needs a nutrient-rich, bright location. The seeds are sown in the glasshouse or on the windowsill from February; from April directly into the bed with sufficient planting distance. Fertilize regularly with compost and horn shavings and water the soil thoroughly. A mixed culture with suitable neighboring plants supports he althy development.
Cultivation and location
When it comes to chard, a distinction is made between stem and leaf chard. The leaf chard is comparable to spinach and can be cooked like spinach, while the stalk chard is processed like asparagus and can be served as a main dish. The two species do not differ in terms of cultivation and subsequent care and sowing can begin in February in a glasshouse or on a windowsill. From April onwards, the chard is sown directly into the bed with a row spacing of 30 - 40 cm. The plants need a minimum distance of 15 cm from each other and may need to be separated later. The first chard is harvested in summer; for a harvest in autumn, it must be re-sown again in June at the latest. The chard is a medium feeder and requires nutrient-rich soil, which, however, must not be over-fertilized. The location itself should be bright and due to its bright colors it also perfectly complements a sunny flower bed.
Cultivation and neighboring plants
Due to its medium nutrient requirements, chard should not be combined with heavy eaters, but with other medium eaters such as the following vegetables:
- Types of cabbage
- Carrots
- Radish
- Pulses
- Radish
Spinach has proven to be a bad neighbor for chard because the plants hinder each other's growth. Cultivation together with good neighbors not only enables optimal nutrient supply for all species, but also mutual defense against diseases and pests. Chard is particularly popular with snails, which primarily target the young plants. Therefore, the small seedlings should be protected from voracious snails in the first few weeks. Although chard is not susceptible to diseases, only soil that is too dense or too watery can lead to powdery mildew infestation. In this case, affected plants must be removed and the soil loosened well.
Fertilizing and watering
The chard should be regularly supplied with sufficient nutrients. Optimum care is guaranteed through the regular administration of compost and horn shavings (€52.00 on Amazon). Compost or horn shavings are worked into the soil with a rake, which loosens the soil at the same time. The chard appreciates moist locations, but there should be no waterlogging, otherwise the roots will begin to rot. Especially on hot summer days, the chard must be watered sufficiently and thoroughly into the soil.
Tips & Tricks
The chard can be easily grown in pots and is therefore also suitable for balcony gardens. Strong plants sown in spring are planted in a large pot with nutrient-rich soil. To prevent waterlogging, the bottom of the pot should be covered with a layer of clay granules and then filled with soil.