Planting

Chard

CHARD

PLANTING TIME Chard, also known as Swiss chard, rainbow chard, or “that fancy leaf your neighbor brags about,” is one of the easiest greens to grow. Plant it in early spring as soon as the soil is workable, or in fall if you’re feeling bold. Chard loves cool weather but can ride out heat like a cowboy on a stubborn mule. Plant early and plant often—this leafy rascal doesn’t know how to quit.

DEPTH & SPACING Sow seeds about one-half inch deep and space plants roughly one foot apart. These plants puff up like a weightlifter on protein powder, so don’t cram them. Give each plant enough room to strut around without bumping elbows. Rows about one and one-half feet apart work great unless you’re growing them in containers, which chard tolerates like a champ.

SOIL & FERTILIZATION Chard thrives in rich, well-drained soil full of organic matter. If your soil feels like a brick or smells like your cousin’s gym socks, fix it with compost. Feed chard lightly every couple weeks and it’ll pump out leaves like a salad factory. This stuff is tougher than a bargain-bin steak and keeps producing long after other greens have waved the white flag.

WATERING NEEDS Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Chard appreciates a steady drink—think of it like a polite guest who doesn’t complain but sure notices if you forget the sweet tea. Water one to two times a week, more if the summer sun starts cooking your garden like a cast-iron skillet. Mulch helps hold moisture and keeps the roots cool.

SUNLIGHT REQUIREMENTS Chard grows well in full sun but doesn’t mind part shade—it’s about as flexible as a yoga instructor on Sunday morning. Six hours of sunlight is ideal, though it’ll tolerate less if the weather’s hot. In blazing climates, a little afternoon shade keeps the leaves from wilting like a tired farmhand.

HARVESTING Begin harvesting when the outer leaves reach about eight to twelve inches long. Grab the leaf at the base and snap it clean or cut it with a knife if you’re feeling fancy. Avoid tugging too hard unless you want to uproot the whole plant like a rookie. Keep picking regularly and chard will keep throwing out new leaves faster than gossip spreads at a church potluck.

CAPTAIN GREENHOUSE TIP If you want a vegetable that makes you look like a gardening genius with almost no effort, chard is your new best friend. It grows huge, looks like a neon rainbow, and tastes good whether you sauté it, steam it, or sneak it into recipes so the kids don’t know they’re eating something healthy. And here’s a pro tip from one country boy to another: if the plants start looking ragged, just give them a haircut. They’ll bounce back fresher than a rooster at sunrise.