Cultivation and location
In the case of Swiss chard, a distinction is made between stem and leaf chard. The leafy chard is comparable to the spinach and can also be cooked like this, while the stalked chard is processed like asparagus and can be served as a main course. The two species do not differ in terms of cultivation and subsequent care, and with the sowing can be started in the glass house or on the windowsill as early as February. From April the chard is sown directly in the bed with a row spacing of 30 - 40 cm. The plants need a minimum distance of 15 cm from each other and may have to be separated later. The first Swiss chard is harvested in summer, for a harvest in autumn it has to be re-sown in June at the latest.
The Swiss chard is a medium eater and needs nutrient-rich soils, which, however, must not be over-fertilized. The location itself should be bright and, due to its bright colors, it also complements a sunny flowerbed perfectly.
also read
- Harvesting Swiss chard from summer to spring - this is how it works
- Growing dates for Swiss chard
- Wintering chard properly
Cultivation and neighboring plants
Due to the medium-sized nutrient requirement, the Swiss chard should not be combined with heavy eaters, but with other medium eaters such as the following types of vegetables:
- Types of cabbage
- Carrots
- radish
- legumes
- radish
Spinach has proven to be a bad neighbor for Swiss chard because the plants hinder each other's growth. Cultivation together with good neighbors not only enables an optimal supply of nutrients to all species, but also enables the mutual defense against diseases and pests. The chard is particularly popular with snails, which mainly target the young plants. Therefore, the small seedlings should be protected from voracious snails in the first few weeks. The Swiss chard is not susceptible to diseases, only a too dense or too watery soil can lead to an infestation of mildew to lead. Affected plants must be removed in this case and the soil well loosened.
Fertilizing and watering
The Swiss chard should be regularly supplied with sufficient nutrients. An optimal supply is through the regular use of compost and Horn shavings(€ 32.93 at Amazon *) guaranteed. Compost or Horn shavings(€ 32.93 at Amazon *) are worked into the soil with a rake, which at the same time loosens the soil.
The Swiss chard appreciates moist locations, but waterlogging must not occur, otherwise the roots will start to rot. Especially on hot summer days, the chard must therefore be watered sufficiently and penetrate the soil.
Tips & Tricks
The chard can be planted in pots without any problems and is therefore also suitable for balcony gardens. Vigorous plants sown in spring are planted in a large pot with nutrient-rich soil. So that no waterlogging occurs, the bottom of the pot should be covered with one layer Clay granules covered and then filled with soil.
