Swiss Chard: Why should it be in your Garden

The first official appearance of Swiss Chard in dishes is attributed to the largest island in Italy. That is why chard can often be seen as an ingredient in many Italian dishes. It is used in salads, stewed with vegetables, and boiled in soups. Many note its subtle bitterness in its raw form. In the process of heat treatment, it disappears, and a delicate and soft aroma appears, more appetizing than spinach.

The most useful thing is the leaves. This low-calorie product is advised to be added to dietary dishes.

Swiss chard is a nutrient-packed, versatile, leafy green that deserves a place in every garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, growing Swiss chard offers numerous benefits. So, let's go over why it should be part of your garden.

When to Plant Swiss Chard

There are many types of Swiss chard, including red, white, and Rainbow chard. It is very pretty and colorful in flower beds.

There are some rules for growing this very attractive plant. Avoid planting Swiss chard with plants in the amaranth family, like spinach and beet. Also, avoid planting them near plants that will compete for soil nutrients, like cucumbers, melons, and squash. Plant Swiss chard with companion plants such as onions, beans, marigolds, kale, and cabbage.

Chards can be sown three times a season, in spring, as soon as the soil warms up, or 2-3 weeks before the last frost date. If you are planting for a fall harvest, plant 3-4 weeks before the first frost.

Fertilize Your Crops

In the fall, you can fertilize Swiss chard to prepare it for winter. Use a slow-release organic nitrogen source when planting. Don't use more fertilizer than recommended, as you can harm the plants.

How to Water Chard

Even in the fall, Swiss chard needs consistent, regular watering. They need about 1 to 2 inches of water per week, depending on the soil type and weather in your area.

When plants lack moisture, their tissues become rough and coarse, greatly reducing their nutritional value.

The best way to water Swiss chard is with a drip irrigation system. This will ensure the soil remains moist but not soggy.

Protect Your Chard from Frost

To protect Swiss chard from frost, use row covers or fabric covers. When temperatures drop, a row cover will protect the plants from frost, as it creates a barrier against cold air while still allowing light to reach the plants. Adding a layer of mulch like straw, wood chips, or leaves at the base of the plants helps maintain soil temperature and protects the roots from freezing.

When to Harvest Chard

You can harvest it throughout the growing season by removing a few leaves at a time, which helps the plant to produce more leaves. Harvest as much as once or twice a week. Swiss chard is ready to harvest when the leaves are about 3-12 inches long. Use garden shears to make clean cuts and avoid damaging the leaves.

Things You Should Know about Swiss Chard

While Swiss chard is nutritious, it should only be consumed in moderation. No more than 200 g should be consumed per day.

Side effects of eating too much chard

Swiss chard contains vitamin K, which, when overabundant in the body, thickens the blood and can lead to blood vessel blockage.

Is it safe to eat the roots?

You can eat the roots, but the plant is typically grown for its leaves and stems. The root of the chard is quite long, cylindrical, with red or white flesh.

The roots taste like beets and are small, tender, and sweet in red-leaved varieties. However, it is a biennial plant. In the second year, the root becomes rough, but at the end of the first year, it is large enough to be eaten in salads or baked.

How to Use Swiss Chard Leaves

Swiss chard can be eaten raw, but it's often cooked to soften the stems and reduce its slightly bitter flavor. Always rinse the leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt before use. There are various ways to use the leaves, including sautéed, in dips, in salads, and in soups.

Swiss chard is added to jars of tomatoes and cucumbers for preservation. The leaves are fermented, dried, pickled, fried, stewed, and frozen to make fillings for pies and pancakes in winter. The leaves contain a lot of nitrates, so boil them a little before use.

Bottom Line

Swiss chard is a versatile, nutrient-dense vegetable that can enhance various dishes. It's a fantastic way to boost your intake of vitamins and minerals. With its vibrant color and mild, earthy flavor, Swiss chard is an excellent addition to your weekly menu.

With its delicious flavors, it's a vegetable that can transform any dish. So next time consider planting some Swiss chard in your garden.