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 supplanted by spinach. The vegetable is now experiencing a renaissance and is valued not only for its appearance, but also for its high vitamin content.

cultivation and location

With chard, a distinction is made between stem and leaf chard. The leaf chard is similar to spinach and can also be cooked like it, while the stem chard is processed like asparagus and can be served as a main course. There is no difference between the two species when it comes to cultivation and subsequent care, and sowing can begin as early as February in a glass house or on the windowsill. From April, the Swiss 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 have to be separated later. The first chard is harvested in summer, for a harvest in autumn it must be reseeded by June at the latest.
The Swiss chard is a medium feeder and needs nutrient-rich soil, which, however, must not be over-fertilized. The location itself should be light and due to its bright colors it also makes a great addition to a sunny flower bed.

Cultivation and neighboring plants

Due to the medium-sized nutrient requirement, the chard should not be combined with heavy consumers, but with other medium consumers such as the following types of vegetables:

  • cabbages
  • carrots
  • radish
  • legumes
  • 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 an optimal supply of nutrients for all species, but also mutual defense against diseases and pests. The Swiss chard is particularly popular with the snails, which mainly 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 too dense or too watery soil can lead to mildew infestation. Affected plants must be removed in this case and the soil must be well loosened.

fertilizing and watering

The chard should be regularly supplied with sufficient nutrients. An optimal supply is guaranteed by the regular administration of compost and horn shavings (32.93€). Compost or horn shavings (€32.93) are worked into the soil with a rake, which loosens the soil at the same time.
The chard appreciates moist locations, but no waterlogging should occur, otherwise the roots will start to rot. Especially on hot summer days, the chard must be watered sufficiently and the soil penetrated.

tips and tricks

The Swiss chard can easily be planted 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.

Category:

Vegetable garden