swiss chard Growing Guide Sowing. To prepare your soil for chard, blend 2 to 4 inches of compost into the top 6 inches. Direct-seed at a depth of 1â„2 to 1 inch in spring, or in summer for a fall crop. Youll notice germination in about one to two weeks. If you prefer, you can grow transplants and transfer them into your garden after seedlings develop four to six mature leaves. When planting, space seeds or seedlings 6 to 8 inches apart. Growing. Give Swiss chard plants 1 or 2 inches of water each week and spread mulch around them to conserve soil moisture and keep weeds at bay. In the early growth stages, protect seedlings and transplants with a row cover. Harvesting. Start snipping and eating Swiss chard anytime after leaves form. To harvest mature chard this fall, cut full-size leaves from the outside of the plant. Best Varieties Chard varieties come with a range of gorgeous rib and vein colors, so try planting a couple of different ones. We recommend glossy, green-leaved Fordhook Giant for its crispness, high productivity, and snow-white ribs. Rhubarb has rich, bright red stems and veins and a high vitamin content. Bright Lights was named an All-America Selections winner in 1998 for its stunning array of gold, orange, yellow, pink, and even purple stems.
Posted on: Thu, 15 May 2014 18:23:13 +0000
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