How to grow swiss chard in pots
Swiss chard is leafy green that belongs to the beet family. Its native to mediterranean countries and europe. This leafy green is rich in Vitamin A, C and K. Swiss chard is an easy to grow leafy green making it a great choice for beginner gardeners. The best season to grow this vegetable is during the spring and the fall season.
Growing conditions for Swiss chard
Sunlight: This leafy green grows best when it gets 4 to 6 hours of sunlight every day.
Soil: It grows best in well draining fertile soil conditions. The soil ph should be between 6 to 7. You can add compost or aged manure to improve soil fertility.
Water: Swiss chard grows best when it gets regular watering.
Fertilization: You can feed your Swiss chard 2 to 3 times during the growing season.
How to grow Swiss chard from seeds
You can sow them in small seed trays and later transplant them into bigger containers. Plant seeds 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost date. You can soak the seeds 24 hrs before sowing. The seeds need to be sowed 1/2 inch deep 4 inches apart. Seeds will germinate 7 to 10 days from sowing. For the potting mix use 60% compost, 20% sand and 20% garden soil. You can grow Swiss chard in containers that are 12 inches deep and wide.
You can harvest your Swiss chard using scissors. Apply the balanced fertiliser 3 times during the growing season. Mulching can retain moisture and supress weed growth.
You can harvest it in 6 to 8 weeks. Cut the leaves 1 to half inch. Regular harvesting can improve production.
Pests and diseases
Aphids, cespora leaf spots, flea beetles, leaf miners, and slugs are common pests that attack your Swiss chard. Practising companion planting, using neem oil and diatomaceous earth are some ways to control these pests.
Read more:
- How to grow lettuce at home.
- How to grow kale at home.
- How to grow cabbage at home.
- How to grow cauliflower at home