Here are some basics to help you grow Swiss chard. Depending on your growing conditions, this versatile green can be grown in either morning or afternoon sun. The morning sun will provide the proper amount of light, while the afternoon shade will keep the plant from bolting or wilting.
Growing Swiss chard in the nursery
Growing Swiss chard is easy and fun if you follow a few simple steps. These nutritious vegetables are small seeds, so you should plant them at least an inch deep. After planting the seeds, water them at least five to eight times per day. Swiss chard grows best in full sunlight but will tolerate a little shade. The soil should be well-drained and amended with compost. You can also use slow-release organic fertilizer if necessary. This will promote vigorous growth and tender leaves.
If you’re growing Swiss chard in a nursery, be sure to carefully check the soil and water it as needed. Make sure that the soil is free from fungus and weeds and that it is regularly re-watered as necessary. Also, don’t overwater or water the leaves too much – this can spread disease and fungus. If you spot yellow spots on the leaves, they may be symptoms of blight fungus, so remove them immediately.
Once the seedlings germinate, you can start thinning and transplanting them. You can either take small cuttings or plant whole plants in pots. You can thin the plants every three to four weeks, or if you’re growing large plants, thin them out.
The right container for Swiss Chard
It is important to choose the right container for Swiss chard. This plant is relatively hardy and can tolerate poor soil and crowded conditions. The plant doesn’t need any special care or fertilizer, but it will thrive on additional nutrition. You can also grow your Swiss chard in a container with other edible plants, such as marigolds, chives, or lavender.
Swiss chard doesn’t require a lot of fertilizer, but a side-dressing of compost midseason and a balanced fertilizer halfway through the growing season can help the plant thrive. The plant will also benefit from afternoon shade, which can extend its life. If you have a problem with pests, you may want to consider applying organic neem spray to your container.
Growing your chard in a container also allows you to control the amount of fertilizer you use. The container ensures that the fertilizer is absorbed by the plant and not ingested by weeds. It is easier to grow Swiss chard in a container than in the ground.
Protecting plants from aphids
Swiss chard needs to be protected from aphids. Aphids are tiny insects that feed on the sap of plants. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to prevent aphids from destroying your plants. Water your chard every day. You can use a garden hose connected to an outside faucet. The hose’s nozzle allows you to spray different patterns.
Another way to protect your plants is to mix one or more drops of essential oils with one cup of water. Spray this mixture on Swiss chard plants in morning and evening to kill aphids. Ladybugs and lacewings may also be attracted to your garden. These insects will eat the eggs and aphids.
Watering more often is another way to protect Swiss Chard plants from aphides. This will keep the plant from becoming weaker and unable to produce the chemicals necessary to fight off aphids. You can also protect your plants from aphids by adding silver reflective mulch (also known as mylar). This mulch repels aphids well.
Protecting plants from spider mites
Spider mites, which are tiny sap-sucking insects, are especially common in glasshouse plants. They can lay up to 300 eggs in a matter of weeks. This pest can be controlled with both biological and chemical methods. However, these methods can only be effective if they are applied on a regular basis.
This pest is quite common in North America, especially in dry climates. It feeds on almost every type of plant, from fruit trees to vegetables. It can cause damage to plant growth, such as yellowed or dropped leaves. In extreme cases, mites can even cause death to the plant.
Protecting your plants against spider mites requires that you protect them from their hosts, the aphids. These pests can be found on stems and new foliage and are pear-shaped. They suck plant sap, which leaves a sticky residue.
Hi there! I’m Hans, and I’m the author of GardenerAZ. We’re here to help gardeners of all levels grow and thrive. Our content comprises expert advice, inspiring stories, and valuable tips to help you get the most out of your garden. Plus, our community is full of passionate gardeners who are always happy to share their knowledge and advice. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, GardenerAZ has everything you need to make your gardening dreams come true.
I’ve been gardening for as long as I can remember. It’s always been a passion of mine, and I love sharing my knowledge with others. When I’m not writing or gardening, I enjoy spending time with my wife and kids. They keep me busy (in a good way), but I always find time for my favorite hobby: gardening!
